¹² Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed^(A) in his name,^(B) he gave the right to become children of God^(C)— ¹³ children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.^(D)

³ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.^[a]”^(A)

⁴ “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

⁵ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.^{(B) 6} Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit^[b] gives birth to spirit.^{(C) 7} You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You^[c] must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”^[d](D)

³⁷ All those the Father gives me^(A) will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.

Jesus Prays for His Disciples

⁴⁴ “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them,^(A) and I will raise them up at the last day.

⁶⁵ He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”^(A)

²⁴ The Jews^(A) who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”^(B)

²⁵ Jesus answered, “I did tell you,^(C) but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me,^{(D) 26} but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.^(E)

¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you^(A) so that you might go and bear fruit^(B)—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.^(C)