Old Testament

New Testament

2 Esdras 7:64-73 Good News Bible Anglicised (GNBDC)

64. But as it is now, our reason grows up with us and then torments us, because we realize that we are going to die!

65. Compared with us who must bear this sorrow, the dumb animals must be happy.

66. They are much better off than we are. They do not have to look forward to the judgement; they are not aware of any torment or salvation that is promised to them after death.

67. What good is it to us that we are going to be given life in the future if it is to be a life of terrible torment?

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 judgement.”

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 judgement.

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.

73. What excuse can they offer at the judgement? How can they answer at the last day?

Read complete chapter 2 Esdras 7