The Son of God was the heir of all things, and the dominion and glory of the kingdoms of this world were promised to Him. Yet when He appeared in this world, it was without riches or splendor. The world understood not His union with the Father; the excellency and glory of His divine character were hid from them. He was therefore “despised and rejected of men,” and “we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” Even as Christ was in the world, so are His followers. They are the sons of God, and joint heirs with Christ; and the kingdom and dominion belong to them. The world understand not their character and holy calling; they perceive not their adoption into the family of God. Their union and fellowship with the Father and Son is not manifest, and while the world behold their humiliation and reproach, it does not appear what they are, or what they shall be. They are strangers. The world know them not, and appreciate not the motives which actuate them. {1T 286.4}

Guds Søn var arving til alt og herredømme og herlighed over denne verdens riger var lovet ham. Da han viste sig i denne verden, var det dog uden rigdom eller glans. Verden forstod ikke hans enhed med Faderen. Hans guddommelige karakters fortrinlighed og herlighed (287) var skjult fra ham. Han var derfor »ringeagtet, afskyet af folk,« og »vi regnede ham for plaget, slagen, gjort elendig af Gud.« Sådan som Kristus var i verden, sådan er hans efterfølgere. De er Guds sønner og deler arven (ordr: samler arvingerne) med Kristus og riget og herredømmet tilhører dem. Verden forstår ikke deres karakter og hellige kald; de indser ikke at de er optaget i Guds familie. Deres enhed og fællesskab med Faderen og Sønnen gives ikke til kende og selv om verden ser deres ydmygelse og skam, viser det ikke hvem de er, eller hvad de skal blive til. De er fremmede. Verden kender dem ikke og påskønner ikke deres bevæggrunde.