In reply, Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. ⁴"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" ⁵Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ⁶FIesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."

Titus 3:5-8.

⁵He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, ⁶whom he oured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life . ⁸This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

[The new birth is evidenced by holiness (see I John 2:29; 3:5-10; 5:18 under "Those who follow holiness") and love (see I John 4:7,8 under "Those who continue patiently in well-doing).]

Matthew 18:3.

And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Background from Greenfield Graphics.