The biblical text recorded in the Gospel of John (3:1–21) answers this question. The Lord Jesus Christ is speaking with Nicodemus — a well-known Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish council). Nicodemus came to Him at night to discuss matters that troubled him.

During the conversation, Jesus said:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).
Nicodemus asked:
“How can a person be born when he is old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he?”
Jesus answered:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which has been born of the flesh is flesh, and that which has been born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above’” (John 3:5–7).

Nicodemus had a real need — he needed a change of heart, that is, to experience spiritual transformation. New life, or being born from above, happens when a person believes in God and receives eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3; 1 John 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1–4, 18). In John 1:12–13 it is emphasized that “being born from above” also means that through faith in Jesus Christ we receive the status of God’s children.

Here a logical question arises: “Why do we need to be born from above?” The Apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians (2:1):
“And you were dead in your offenses and sins…”
And in his letter to the Romans (3:23) he adds:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
That is why we need a new birth — to receive forgiveness of sins and restore our relationship with God.

How does this happen?
In his letter to the Ephesians (2:8–9) it is written:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
A person receives salvation only through being born from above — a spiritual renewal that makes him or her a child of God. We receive this “spiritual birth” when we believe in Jesus Christ and that He paid for our sins by His death on the cross.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

If the Holy Spirit is prompting you to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, then you need to be born from above. Do you wish to pray a prayer of repentance today and become a new creation in Christ?
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God” (John 1:12–13).

If so, here is a simple prayer. It is important to understand: simply reciting words does not save — salvation is given only through faith in Jesus Christ. This prayer is just a way to express your faith and gratitude to God for salvation:

“God! I know that I have sinned against You and deserve punishment, because I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus Christ took the punishment meant for me, so that through faith in Him I could be forgiven. I surrender my sin to You and believe that You are my Savior. I ask You to come into my heart, be my Lord and Savior. Thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness! Amen!”