Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.

Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.

Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep."

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—

just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.

The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.

No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.