67
What does it profit us that we shall be preserved alive but cruelly tormented?
68
For all who have been born are entangled in[r] iniquities, and are full of sins and burdened with transgressions.
69
And if after death we were not to come into judgment, perhaps it would have been better for us.”
70
He answered me and said, “When the Most High made the world and Adam and all who have come from him, he first prepared the judgment and the things that pertain to the judgment.
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?”
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.
77
For you have a treasure of works stored up with the Most High, but it will not be shown to you until the last times.