69
If we were not to come into judgment after death, it would perhaps have been better for us."
70
He replied to me: "When the Most High made the world and Adam and all who are descended from him, he first prepared the judgment and the things that pertain to the judgment.
71
Now understand on the basis of your own words—because you said, ‘Consciousness grows with us.'
72
Those who sojourn on earth will be tormented precisely because, although they were aware, they committed violations. Although they received the commandments, they didn't keep them. When they did follow the Law, they falsified its contents.
73
What will they have to say in the judgment? How will they respond in the last times?
74
How long a time the Most High has put up with those who inhabit the world! But this wasn't for their sakes; rather for the sake of the schedule that he has established for the unfolding of the times."
75
I replied: "If I have found favor with you, Lord, show this also to your servant: After death, as soon as each person gives up his or her soul, will we be kept asleep until the time comes for you to begin to renew creation, or will we be tormented right away?"
76
He replied to me: “I will show you this too. But don't associate yourself with those who have shown contempt, and don't count yourself among those who are tormented.
77
You have a treasure of works stored up with the Most High, but it won't be shown to you until the last times.
78
“Now a word about death: When the final sentence goes forth from the Most High that a person should die, when the spirit recedes from the body so that it may be sent again to him who gave it, the first thing is to stand in awe before the glory of the Most High.
79
If the spirit belonged to one of those who showed contempt and didn't keep the Most High's way, if it was one of those who despised his Law and who hates those who fear God,