This verse from 2 Esdras 7:113 speaks about the Day of Judgement as a pivotal point marking the end of the current, corruptible world and the commencement of a new, eternal, and incorruptible existence. Let's break it down:
"But the day of judgement shall be the end of this time..." This refers to the final and ultimate judgment where all souls will be judged for their actions during their earthly lives. It signals the termination of the present era or "time" which is characterized by imperfection, suffering, and mortality.
"...and the beginning of the immortality for to come..." This suggests that after the judgment, a new reality or epoch will begin. This new reality is characterized by "immortality," meaning freedom from death and decay. It's a promise of everlasting life.
"...wherein corruption is passed away..." The key phrase here. "Corruption" symbolizes the flaws, decay, sin, and limitations of the earthly realm. This includes physical deterioration, moral failings, and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. "Passed away" means that these negative aspects will be completely eliminated from the new reality. The implication is that the new existence will be pure, perfect, and untainted by the problems of the current world.
In essence, the verse paints a picture of:
Transformation: A radical shift from a finite, flawed existence to an eternal, perfect one.
Hope: The hope of escaping the suffering and limitations of the present world.
Judgment as a Necessary Step: The Day of Judgment, though often seen as a day of fear, is presented here as a necessary transition point, a cleansing process leading to a better future.
Context within 2 Esdras (also known as 4 Ezra):
2 Esdras is an apocalyptic text grappling with theological questions like the problem of suffering, the justice of God, and the fate of humanity. The book is deeply concerned with the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Jewish people. The verse fits into the larger narrative by offering a vision of hope and redemption beyond the present trials. It assures the reader that despite the current suffering, a glorious future awaits the righteous. The book attempts to reconcile the seemingly unjust realities of the world with the belief in a just and merciful God by suggesting that ultimate justice will be revealed at the end of time.
Important Note: 2 Esdras is considered apocryphal or deuterocanonical scripture. It is not included in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) or most Protestant Bibles, but is included in the Septuagint and Vulgate, and is considered canonical by some Christian denominations (e.g., the Eastern Orthodox and some parts of the Catholic Church). Therefore, interpretations of this verse may vary depending on theological perspectives.
This verse from 2 Esdras 7:113 speaks about the Day of Judgement as a pivotal point marking the end of the current, corruptible world and the commencement of a new, eternal, and incorruptible existence. Let's break it down:
"But the day of judgement shall be the end of this time..." This refers to the final and ultimate judgment where all souls will be judged for their actions during their earthly lives. It signals the termination of the present era or "time" which is characterized by imperfection, suffering, and mortality.
"...and the beginning of the immortality for to come..." This suggests that after the judgment, a new reality or epoch will begin. This new reality is characterized by "immortality," meaning freedom from death and decay. It's a promise of everlasting life.
"...wherein corruption is passed away..." The key phrase here. "Corruption" symbolizes the flaws, decay, sin, and limitations of the earthly realm. This includes physical deterioration, moral failings, and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. "Passed away" means that these negative aspects will be completely eliminated from the new reality. The implication is that the new existence will be pure, perfect, and untainted by the problems of the current world.
In essence, the verse paints a picture of:
Transformation: A radical shift from a finite, flawed existence to an eternal, perfect one.
Hope: The hope of escaping the suffering and limitations of the present world.
Judgment as a Necessary Step: The Day of Judgment, though often seen as a day of fear, is presented here as a necessary transition point, a cleansing process leading to a better future.
Context within 2 Esdras (also known as 4 Ezra):
2 Esdras is an apocalyptic text grappling with theological questions like the problem of suffering, the justice of God, and the fate of humanity. The book is deeply concerned with the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Jewish people. The verse fits into the larger narrative by offering a vision of hope and redemption beyond the present trials. It assures the reader that despite the current suffering, a glorious future awaits the righteous. The book attempts to reconcile the seemingly unjust realities of the world with the belief in a just and merciful God by suggesting that ultimate justice will be revealed at the end of time.
Important Note: 2 Esdras is considered apocryphal or deuterocanonical scripture. It is not included in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) or most Protestant Bibles, but is included in the Septuagint and Vulgate, and is considered canonical by some Christian denominations (e.g., the Eastern Orthodox and some parts of the Catholic Church). Therefore, interpretations of this verse may vary depending on theological perspectives.