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?