2 Esdras 7:14

14 Therefore unless the living pass through the difficult and vain experiences, they can never receive those things that have been reserved for them.

2 Esdras 7:14 In-Context

12 And so the entrances of this world were made narrow and sorrowful and toilsome; they are few and evil, full of dangers and involved in great hardships.
13 But the entrances of the greater world are broad and safe, and really yield the fruit of immortality.
14 Therefore unless the living pass through the difficult and vain experiences, they can never receive those things that have been reserved for them.
15 But now why are you disturbed, seeing that you are to perish? And why are you moved, seeing that you are mortal?
16 And why have you not considered in your mind what is to come, rather than what is now present?"
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.