“Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (Jn 3:5). It is clear that being born of the Spirit is essential for salvation. From other parts of the Scripture, we also see that receiving the Holy Spirit is a requisite for salvation. For example, Titus 3:5 states that we are saved by the washing of rebirth and the renewal of the Holy Spirit; in Titus 3:6 it explains that this Holy Spirit has been poured out on us generously.

Similarly, Ephesians 1:13 says that believers have been marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit (i.e., received the promised Holy Spirit), who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. So to be born of the Spirit does indeed refer to receiving the Holy Spirit, which is necessary for salvation.