The concept of being "born again" is central to many Christians' understanding of salvation, stemming from Jesus' words in John 3:3, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."
Many Christians, particularly within evangelical and charismatic traditions, believe that a conscious decision to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, coupled with a transformative experience often described as being "born again," is necessary for salvation. In this view, those who have not had this experience are not considered saved.
However, other Christian traditions, such as some Catholics, Orthodox, and mainline Protestants, have a broader understanding of salvation. They emphasize the importance of baptism, participation in the sacraments, living a moral life, and being part of the Church community as pathways to salvation. While they may value the concept of spiritual renewal, they might not see a specific "born again" experience as the sole or definitive marker of salvation.
Ultimately, different Christian denominations and individuals hold varying beliefs about the necessity and nature of being "born again" in relation to salvation.