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The physical resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of redemption—both for mankind and for the earth. Indeed, without Christ’s resurrection and what it means—an eternal future for fully restored human beings dwelling on a fully restored Earth—there is no Christianity.

“Let temporal things serve your use, but the eternal be the object of your desire.” Thomas a Kempis

This is a dilemma, and I think we should ask God to give us faith to believe Him, and skeptical only of some people’s claims, but not of God’s power or the fact that He sometimes miraculously intervenes. We need discernment, but not skepticism and certainly not cynicism.

It’s true that the ascension is a neglected doctrine. It was considered more important to earlier generations of Christians than it is today.
 One remarkable thing about the ascension is that it affirms Christ’s physical body went into Heaven following his resurrection. This is what the creeds call his “self-same body,” stating that likewise our self-same bodies will be restored in our resurrection.  

I think there will be clothes on the New Earth, first because those in Heaven are depicted as wearing robes (e.g. the martyrs in Revelation 6:9).

What about the different “dwelling places” believers will have in heaven (Luke 16:4,9)? What about the treasures Christ commanded us to store up “for ourselves” in heaven (Matthew 6:20)? 

You’re right that my belief in the ultimate authority of Scripture is based not on specific statement, but on the cumulative power of countless passages. (The same is true of the doctrine of the trinity and other major truths.) Among those passages are these:

There are different views of the restrainer of 2 Thess. 2, and a case can be made for two at least. 

There is (at least in my mind and many others) an inconsistency in our position statement. I believe that there is considerable evidence that so-called birth control pills (BCPs) do have a significant post-ovulatory (abortifacient) effect. 

Christ did, in deed, pay the penalty for sin; and, the extent of that payment could sufficiently cover every person that ever lived, is living, or will live on the earth. 

I wish we could talk face to face so you could hear my heart for you.

Christ promises on the New Earth, “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). 

In my opinion it would be unwise to not recognize that everyone, including you and me, has vested interests. 

While there may be others we don't know of who God has created or will create in the future, we know the following will be in heaven...