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What does it mean to be born again?

Direct

A clear verse states this directly, and no higher-or-equal-authority text overturns it.

To be "born again" means to receive a new, spiritual life originating from God himself — not from human effort or physical descent — through the Spirit of God, and this new birth is the necessary condition for entering God's kingdom.

Jesus states it plainly and directly in John 3:3–8, and every other author across the New Testament — Peter, John, Paul, James — independently confirms and develops the same teaching with no contradiction at any level of authority.

Key texts:
John 3:3Tier 2 · Jesus
“Jesus answered him, “Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born anew, he can’t see God’s Kingdom.””
John 3:5Tier 2 · Jesus
“Jesus answered, “Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and Spirit, he can’t enter into God’s Kingdom.”
John 3:6Tier 2 · Jesus
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

…and 18 more verses weighed in the full analysis.

This is a summary.

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