71
But now, understand from your own words—for you have said that the mind grows with us.
72
For this reason, therefore, those who live on earth shall be tormented, because though they had understanding, they committed iniquity; and though they received the commandments, they did not keep them; and though they obtained the law, they dealt unfaithfully with what they received.
73
What, then, will they have to say in the judgment, or how will they answer in the last times?
74
How long the Most High has been patient with those who inhabit the world!—and not for their sake, but because of the times that he has foreordained.”
75
I answered and said, “If I have found favor in your sight, O Lord, show this also to your servant: whether after death, as soon as everyone of us yields up the soul, we shall be kept in rest until those times come when you will renew the creation, or whether we shall be tormented at once?”
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.