Jim Jordan is right to assert that the third day is the day of “preliminary judgment.” The third day is the day of production. As James puts it: “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” Vegetation and life spring forth from the ground to show forth God’s creative work. Similarly on the third day, from the ground came the true fruit, Jesus Christ who rose from the grave victorious. Biblically, the works of the third day–when found pleasing– are vindicated on the day of rest (seventh day). Jesus’ resurrection was the pleasing aroma springing forth from the ground and vindicated by the Father.
