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but the entrance to it is narrow and steep, with fire on one side and deep water on the other.
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The one path between the fire and the water is so narrow that only one person at a time may walk on it.
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If anyone inherits this city, he cannot take possession of his inheritance without passing through this dangerous entrance."
10
"That is right, sir," I said. "That is how it is with the people of Israel," he added.
11
"I made this world for their sake, but when Adam broke my commands, the world came under my judgment.
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12
Then the entrances into this world were made narrow and difficult to travel. They were rough, dangerous, and few in number.
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But the entrances to the great world to come are wide and safe and lead to immortality.
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Everyone who lives must walk the narrow and meaningless ways of this world in order to receive the blessings stored up in the world to come.
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So, Ezra, why are you upset and disturbed by the thought that you are mortal and must die?
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Why don't you think about the age to come, rather than the present age?"
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I answered, "Lord and master, in your Law you said that the righteous would receive all these blessings, but that the wicked would perish.