2 Esdras 7:73

73 What excuse can they offer at the judgment? How can they answer at the last day?

2 Esdras 7:73 In-Context

71 So you ought to learn from your own words. You said that your reason grows up with you,

72 and that's the point. The people of this world used their reason and sinned; they received God's commands but did not keep them; they accepted the Law and then disobeyed it. And that's why they will suffer torment.

73 What excuse can they offer at the judgment? How can they answer at the last day?

74 God Most High has been very patient with the people of this world for a long time, but it has not been for their sake. He has done it for the sake of the age to come."

75 Then I said, "Sir, may I ask you, please, to explain to me what happens when we die, when each of us must give back our soul? Will we be kept at rest until the time when you begin to make your new creation, or will our torment begin immediately?"