.
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:3)
And:
Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the
kingdom of God. (John 3:5)
The Greek words translated "man" in those two passages are nondescript
terms for all mankind regardless of age, race, gender identity, and/or
religious preference. This would include all who lived in the old testament
era too, e.g. Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Ruth, David, and
Moses & the prophets, etc.
FAQ: Why is regeneration so essential?
REPLY: Because that which is human-born has thus far failed, and will continue to
fail, to live up to the supreme being's standards to where it can say "I
always do what pleases Him" (John 8:29) Granted there are folks who've
pleased the supreme being some of the time, and even those who've
pleased God most of the time, but none who've pleased Him always without
fail.
* The bar is set pretty high; it is no less than the supreme being's own
100% sinless perfection. (Rom 3:23)
_