Have you ever imagined what standing before Christ would be like? I know I have.

There'd be a huge line ("I know how to queue. I'm British!") stretching into the distance. But, with time having no meaning, I'd almost immediately be before Christ. I've often wondered just how many people would be listening to my life story. Just the few at the front, or would everyone be listening in? Would it be my entire life, or just a summary of the good/bad points? The embarrassing bits included!

My personal belief it that Believe, Repent, be Baptised and keep the Faith means automatic entry into the Kingdom of Christ, and that judgement is to do with the reward. Paul refers to this as his confidence. Paul says this in his letter to Timothy;

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.

What is our expectation of our reward? Would we like power and glory? Some measure of authority and recognition of our faith?

Luke's record of the parable of the talents has this to say;

Well done, thou good servant: because thou wast found faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

Personally, I find this slightly worrying. If asked to, especially by our Lord Jesus Christ, I'd do it, but my preference would be one small village, and I get to hand pick the residents. I'd probably feel sorry for whoever got London, New York, Los Angeles, etc.

It probably depends on our personal expectations. I'm not too bothered about my own power and glory. I'm quite happy with what God has given me. Although that's probably a huge under-statement; I'm extremely grateful for what God has given me. I'd run out space if I had to list everything he has given me.

The fact is that we will have to stand before Christ, and we're given this life to prepare for that meeting.