2 Esdras 7:70

70 The angel replied, "When God Most High was creating the world, as well as Adam and his descendants, the first thing he did was to get everything ready for the judgment.

2 Esdras 7:70 In-Context

68 Everyone who is born is caught in the web of sin, is full of wickedness and burdened with guilt.

69 I think it would be better if after death we did not have to face judgment."

70 The angel replied, "When God Most High was creating the world, as well as Adam and his descendants, the first thing he did was to get everything ready for the judgment.

71 So you ought to learn from your own words. You said that your reason grows up with you,

72 and that's the point. The people of this world used their reason and sinned; they received God's commands but did not keep them; they accepted the Law and then disobeyed it. And that's why they will suffer torment.