Christ: Father through spiritual rebirth. As we have already discussed (see commentary on Mosiah 5:1-7), those who are “born again,” who are changed from their carnal and fallen state to a state of righteousness, are received into a new family relationship-they become the sons and daughters of Jesus Christ by adoption.
Spiritual rebirth is an absolute necessity for one who aspires to the celestial kingdom. As one may enter mortality only through birth, so may one enter life in the exalted realm-eternal life-only after spiritual birth. To be born again is to be born “from above,” to be regenerated, renewed, and made alive as to the things of righteousness.