2 Esdras 7:74

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.”

2 Esdras 7:74 In-Context

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?”

76 He answered me and said, “I will show you that also, but do not include yourself with those who have shown scorn, or number yourself among those who are tormented.