What does it mean to be born of the Spirit?
Quick answer
To be born of the Spirit is to receive new spiritual life from God — the same new birth Jesus described to Nicodemus. It is the Spirit's work, not our own.
Jesus told Nicodemus: "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
The new birth is invisible like the wind, but real. It changes the heart, gives new desires, and opens us to faith.
It is the Spirit's sovereign work in us, not a self-help project. We receive it.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06-07. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.