Concerning our entrance into the purpose of God for us, the Scriptures, both Old and New Testament, speak of three works of grace. The first work might be referred to as basic salvation. The second work is the baptism with the Holy Spirit.

The third work of grace is not nearly as well known. We could term the third work the rest of God, in line with the fourth chapter of the Book of Hebrews.

We have been preaching and teaching the third work of grace for more than forty-five years, the Lord having spoken to us on this subject in the late 1940s. The Lord seemed to be pointing out to us what He was going to do after the restoration of the Pentecostal experience. The central thought given at that time was Christ in you, and this continues to be the emphasis.

We have written many books and booklets on the various aspects of Christ in you. Of late the third work of grace appears to be becoming increasingly clear and so we shall attempt to set forth what we hope will provide additional clarity for the reader.

Three Works of Grace

The major types of the Scripture point toward three areas of salvation rather than the two that are familiar to us—salvation and the baptism with the Holy Spirit. For example:

The Courtyard, Holy Place, and Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle of the Congregation.

The three levels of Noah's Ark.

The three divisions of Gideon's army.

The three major stages of the journey of Israel—Egypt, Mount Sinai, Canaan.

The waters to the ankles, knees, and loins of Ezekiel, Chapter 47.

The three anointings of King David.

Then we have the three days of Hosea, Chapter Six: After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. (Hosea 6:2)

And the three days during which the Lord will "walk":

And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. (Luke 13:32)

There are three areas of the heavenlies. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. (II Corinthians 12:2)

Three levels of fruitbearing. But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. (Matthew 13:8)

Three means by which we overcome the accuser of our brothers. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Revelation 12:11)

We understand also the Lord Jesus, as is true of all the sons of God, was tempted in three ways: living by bread alone, worshiping Satan, and acting presumptuously.

In addition, the expressions "after three days," "on the third day," and so forth occur repeatedly throughout the Scriptures.

Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the Lord your God giveth you to possess it. (Joshua 1:11)

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: (John 2:1)

To our knowledge, nowhere in the Scriptures is there an implication that the work of the Kingdom of God is performed in two days. Three consistently is the number employed to signify the work of God.

To be continued.