Why Regeneration Must Happen First

Jesus says that the Seed, the Word, can only bear fruit when it falls on "good soil" in the parable of the Sower.

Matthew 13:8, 23 KJV

But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Since the heart of a man must be "good soil" in order for the Seed, the Word, to bear fruit, God must first replace the heart of stone with a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:26 NKJV

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Since the heart of flesh occurs simultaneously when God indwells a man with His Holy Spirit, this is the moment of salvation. Faith is the result.

2 Corinthians 1:22 KJV

Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Ephesians 1:13-14 KJV

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

God must regenerate a man BEFORE He can receive the Word. Be not deceived. Salvation is entirely in the Hand of God Himself.