The universe is a grand Sheol, a howling 'prison of darkness' for fallen, dead spirits. It is a malignant eruption within the outer darkness, set off by the heavenly dropouts to serve as an alternative homeland. Organic lifeforms represent alternative existence, which only amount to various levels of spiritual death.
The world of humans is a secondary prison within the grand Sheol, and human nature is a second degree of spiritual death. Choosing spiritual rebirth is apt for captive human spirits, and Jesus Christ is the only true Redeemer. It was easy for the proverbial prodigal son to return to his loving father because his slave master did not oppose or fight to stop him, but captive human spirits must confront very powerful external forces and influences that seek to stop them from returning to their loving heavenly Father.
People who choose Jesus Christ and spiritual rebirth should be resolute and persevering. The battle may be very hard, but it is winnable. Jesus Christ makes it clear that tribulations are inevitable in the world but assures them that he has already overcome the world on their behalf.