39. Is it possible that because of our sin the righteous dead are having to wait for their reward?”
40. His answer was, “Can a pregnant woman keep her child from being born after her nine months are up?”
41. “No, sir, she cannot,” I answered.And he continued, “In the world of the dead, the place where God has stored the souls is like a womb.
42. It is as eager to return the souls entrusted to it from the beginning of the world as a woman is to end her labour pains.
43. When that happens, you will have the answer to all your questions.”
44. “Please, sir,” I asked, “if you think I am able to understand it, can you
45. tell me one more thing? Is the time that is still to come longer than the past that has already gone by?
46. I know how long the past has been, but I don't know the future.”
47. “Come here and stand at my right,” he commanded, “and I will show you a vision and explain its meaning.”
48. So I stood by him and looked, and I saw a blazing fire pass by in front of me, and when it was gone, I saw that smoke was still there.
49. Then a rain cloud passed by in front of me, bringing a heavy downpour of rain; and when the downpour was over, there was still a light rain.