66
It is much better for them than for us. They don't expect judgment. They don't know about either the torments or the deliverance that you promise after death.
67
But what does it profit us that we will be preserved, only to be tortured with torments?
68
All who are born are mixed up with violations, full of sins, and weighed down with crimes.
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.