The ___ of the new birth is the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is referred to as the agent of the new birth because it plays a crucial role in the transformative experience of being born again. In Christian theology, specifically within the context of the Church of God teachings, the new birth represents a spiritual regeneration that is initiated by the Holy Spirit. This means that it is the Holy Spirit who acts upon the believer, bringing about a change in heart and spirit that signifies a fresh beginning in a person's relationship with God.

While the other options hold relevance in different contexts, they do not accurately capture the role of the Holy Spirit. The process of new birth refers to the overall experience and steps involved in coming to faith, while the result pertains to the end state of a believer's salvation. The sign could indicate the evidence or manifestation of the new birth, such as transformed behavior or spiritual gifts. However, identifying the Holy Spirit as the agent underscores its active involvement in effecting this vital spiritual renewal.