John 3

You Must Be Born Again

1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 a This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for b no one can do these signs that You do unless c God is with him." 3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, d unless one is born 1 again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." 4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" 5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, e unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 "That which is born of the flesh is f flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' 8 g "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him, h "How can these things be?" 10 Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? 11 i "Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and j you do not receive Our witness. 12 "If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 k "No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man 2 who is in heaven. 14 l "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so m must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 "that whoever n believes in Him should 3 not perish but o have eternal life.

For God So Loved the World

16 p "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten q Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 r "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 s "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 "And this is the condemnation, t that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 "For u everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 "But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been v done in God."

John the Baptist Exalts Christ

22 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them w and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near x Salim, because there was much water there. y And they came and were baptized. 24 For z John had not yet been thrown into prison.

25 Then there arose a dispute between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, a to whom you have testified - behold, He is baptizing, and all b are coming to Him!" 27 John answered and said, c "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 "You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, d 'I am not the Christ,' but, e 'I have been sent before Him.' 29 f "He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but g the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. 30 h "He must increase, but I must decrease.

31 i "He who comes from above j is above all; k he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. l He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 "And m what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. 33 "He who has received His testimony n has certified that God is true. 34 o "For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit p by measure. 35 q "The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. 36 r "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the s wrath of God abides on him."

  1. Cross References
    John 7:50
    Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them) said to them.
    John 19:39
    And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.
  2. Cross References
    John 9:16
    Therefore some of the Pharisees said, "This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath." Others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" And there was a division among them.
    John 9:33
    "If this Man were not from God, He could do nothing."
    Acts 2:22
    Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know -
  3. Cross References
    Acts 10:38
    How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
  4. Cross References
    John 1:13
    Who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of...
    Galatians 6:15
    For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor un...
    Titus 3:5
    Not by works of righteousness which we have don...
    James 1:18
    Of His own will He brought us forth by the word...
    1 Peter 1:23
    Having been born again, not of corruptible seed...
    1 John 3:9
    Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for ...
  5. Cross References
    Mark 16:16
    He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
    Acts 2:38
    Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
  6. Cross References
    John 1:13
    Who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
    1 Corinthians 15:50
    Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.
  7. Cross References
    Psalms 135:7
    He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain; He brings the wind out of His treasuries.
    Ecclesiastes 11:5
    As you do not know what is the way of the wind, Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, So you do not know the works of God who makes everything.
    Ezekiel 37:9
    Also He said to me, "Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live." '
    1 Corinthians 2:11
    For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
  8. Cross References
    John 6:52
    The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?
    John 6:60
    Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying; who can understand it?
  9. Cross References
    Matthew 11:27
    All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.
  10. Cross References
    John 3:32
    And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.
    John 8:14
    Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going.
  11. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 30:12
    "It is not in heaven, that you should say, 'Who...
    Proverbs 30:4
    Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who...
    Acts 2:34
    For David did not ascend into the heavens, but ...
    Romans 10:6
    But the righteousness of faith speaks in this w...
    1 Corinthians 15:47
    The first man was of the earth, made of dust; t...
    Ephesians 4:9
    (Now this, "He ascended" - what does it mean bu...
  12. Cross References
    Numbers 21:9
    So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.
  13. Cross References
    Matthew 27:35
    Then they crucified Him, and divided His garmen...
    Mark 15:24
    And when they crucified Him, they divided His g...
    Luke 23:33
    And when they had come to the place called Calv...
    John 8:28
    Then Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the ...
    John 12:34
    The people answered Him, "We have heard from th...
    John 19:18
    Where they crucified Him, and two others with H...
  14. Cross References
    John 6:47
    Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.
  15. Cross References
    John 3:36
    "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
  16. Cross References
    Romans 5:8
    But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in...
    Ephesians 2:4
    But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His g...
    2 Thessalonians 2:16
    Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our ...
    1 John 4:9
    In this the love of God was manifested toward u...
    1 John 4:10
    In this is love, not that we loved God, but tha...
    Revelation 1:5
    And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, th...
  17. Cross References
    Isaiah 9:6
    For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
  18. Cross References
    Matthew 1:21
    "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."
    Luke 9:56
    For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them." And they went to another village.
    1 John 4:14
    And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.
  19. Cross References
    John 5:24
    Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
    John 6:40
    "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."
    John 6:47
    Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.
    John 20:31
    But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
    Romans 8:1
    There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
  20. Cross References
    John 1:4
    In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
    John 1:9 - 11
    That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
  21. Cross References
    Job 24:13
    There are those who rebel against the light; They do not know its ways Nor abide in its paths.
    Ephesians 5:11
    And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
    Ephesians 5:13
    But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.
  22. Cross References
    John 15:4
    Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
    John 15:5
    I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
    1 Corinthians 15:10
    But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
  23. Cross References
    John 4:1
    Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John
    John 4:2
    (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples).
  24. Cross References
    1 Samuel 9:4
    So he passed through the mountains of Ephraim and through the land of Shalisha, but they did not find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and they were not there. Then he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them.
  25. Cross References
    Matthew 3:5
    Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him
    Matthew 3:6
    And were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
  26. Cross References
    Matthew 4:12
    Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee.
    Matthew 14:3
    For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.
    Mark 6:17
    For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; for he had married her.
    Luke 3:20
    Also added this, above all, that he shut John up in prison.
  27. Cross References
    John 1:7
    This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.
    John 1:15
    John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.'
    John 1:27
    "It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose."
    John 1:34
    "And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God."
  28. Cross References
    Mark 2:2
    Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them.
    Mark 3:10
    For He healed many, so that as many as had afflictions pressed about Him to touch Him.
    Mark 5:24
    So Jesus went with him, and a great multitude followed Him and thronged Him.
    Luke 8:19
    Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd.
  29. Cross References
    Romans 12:5 - 8
    So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and ...
    1 Corinthians 3:5
    Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but minis...
    1 Corinthians 3:6
    I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the in...
    1 Corinthians 4:7
    For who makes you differ from another? And what...
    Hebrews 5:4
    And no man takes this honor to himself, but he ...
    James 1:17
    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from ...
    1 Peter 4:10
    As each one has received a gift, minister it to...
    1 Peter 4:11
    If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles ...
  30. Cross References
    John 1:19 - 27
    Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?
  31. Cross References
    Malachi 3:1
    Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming," Says the LORD of hosts.
    Mark 1:2
    As it is written in the Prophets: "Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.
    Luke 1:17
    "He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
  32. Cross References
    Matthew 22:2
    The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son.
    2 Corinthians 11:2
    For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
    Ephesians 5:25
    Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.
    Ephesians 5:27
    That He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
    Revelation 21:9
    Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, "Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife.
  33. Cross References
    Song of Solomon 5:1
    I have come to my garden, my sister, my spouse; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, O friends! Drink, yes, drink deeply, O beloved ones!
  34. Cross References
    Isaiah 9:7
    Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
  35. Cross References
    John 3:13
    No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.
    John 8:23
    And He said to them, "You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.
  36. Cross References
    Matthew 28:18
    And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All ...
    John 1:15
    John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying,...
    John 1:27
    "It is He who, coming after me, is preferred be...
    John 13:13
    You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well,...
    Romans 9:5
    Of whom are the fathers and from whom, accordin...
    Colossians 1:17
    And He is before all things, and in Him all thi...
    Colossians 1:18
    And He is the head of the body, the church, who...
  37. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:47
    The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven.
  38. Cross References
    John 6:33
    "For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."
    1 Corinthians 15:47
    The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven.
    Ephesians 1:21
    Far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
    Philippians 2:9
    Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.
  39. Cross References
    Isaiah 53:1
    Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
    Isaiah 53:3
    He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
    John 3:11
    Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness.
    John 15:15
    No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
  40. Cross References
    Romans 3:4
    Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: "That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.
    1 John 5:10
    He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son.
  41. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 18:18
    I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him.
    John 7:16
    Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me.
  42. Cross References
    John 1:16
    And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.
  43. Cross References
    Matthew 11:27
    All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.
    Luke 10:22
    "All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him."
    John 5:20
    For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.
    Hebrews 2:8
    You have put all things in subjection under his feet." For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him.
  44. Cross References
    John 3:16
    For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
    John 3:17
    For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
    John 6:47
    Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.
    Romans 1:17
    For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith.
    1 John 5:10
    He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son.
  45. Cross References
    Romans 1:18
    For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.
    Ephesians 5:6
    Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
    1 Thessalonians 1:10
    And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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