2 Esdras 7:112-122

112 He answered me: "The present world isn't the end. Glory does not continuously remain in it, and so those who were able prayed for the weak.
113 But the Judgment Day will be the end of this time and the beginning of the future, endless time in which decay is no more,
114 indulgence is undone, unbelief is cut off, but justice is fully grown, and truth arisen.
115 Therefore, no one will then be able to have mercy on someone who has been condemned in the judgment, nor to overwhelm one who has conquered."
116 I answered: "This is my first and last word: It would have been better if the earth hadn't brought forth Adam, or when it had brought him forth, that it had forced him not to sin.
117 What does it benefit everyone to live in sadness during the present time, and when dead to expect punishment?
118 Adam, what have you done?! If you sinned, the downfall wasn't yours alone but also ours who are descended from you.
119 What benefit is it to us that we are promised an immortal time, but we have done works that bring death?
120 What good is it to us that everlasting hope has been predicted for us, but we have utterly failed?
121 What good is it that safe and healthy dwelling places are reserved, but we have behaved badly?
122 What good is it that the glory of the Most High will protect those who have conducted themselves decently, but we have conducted ourselves indecently?

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Syr, Eth; Lat omits not.
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