2 Esdras 9:1-13

Revised Standard Version

More about the Signs of the End

9 He answered me and said, “Measure carefully in your mind, and when you see that a certain part of the predicted signs are past, ² then you will know that it is the very time when the Most High is about to visit the world which he has made. ³ So when there shall appear in the world earthquakes, tumult of peoples, intrigues of nations, wavering of leaders, confusion of princes, ⁴ then you will know that it was of these that the Most High spoke from the days that were of old, from the beginning. ⁵ For just as with everything that has occurred in the world, the beginning is evident,^[a] and the end manifest; ⁶ so also are the times of the Most High: the beginnings are manifest in wonders and mighty works, and the end in requital^[b] and in signs. ⁷ And it shall be that every one who will be saved and will be able to escape on account of his works, or on account of the faith by which he has believed, ⁸ will survive the dangers that have been predicted, and will see my salvation in my land and within my borders, which I have sanctified for myself from the beginning. ⁹ Then those who have now abused my ways shall be amazed, and those who have rejected them with contempt shall dwell in torments. ¹⁰ For as many as did not acknowledge me in their lifetime, although they received my benefits, ¹¹ and as many as scorned my law while they still had freedom, and did not understand but despised it^[c] while an opportunity of repentance was still open to them, ¹² these must in torment acknowledge it^[d] after death. ¹³ Therefore, do not continue to be curious as to how the ungodly will be punished; but inquire how the righteous will be saved, those to whom the age belongs and for whose sake the age was made.”^[e]