In the doctrine discussed, what is essential for the new birth?

The essential element for the new birth is the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word. This concept is grounded in Christian theology, which teaches that spiritual regeneration occurs through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit working in conjunction with God's Word, the Scriptures.

The Holy Spirit plays a critical role in convicting individuals of their sin, leading them to repentance, and ultimately instilling in them new life through faith in Jesus Christ. This transformative process aligns with biblical passages such as John 3:3-6, where Jesus explains to Nicodemus that one must be "born again" of the Spirit to enter the Kingdom of God.

Additionally, the Word of God serves as the medium through which faith is generated. Romans 10:17 states that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Together, the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures facilitate a profound spiritual change in a person, signifying the new birth that marks a new relationship with God.

In contrast to this, physical baptism, a public declaration, and a life of righteousness, while significant aspects of the Christian experience, do not constitute the essence of the new birth itself. Instead, they are often viewed as outward expressions or evidence of the inward transformation that has occurred through the