Assurance during Christ Absence (2) (Titus 2:11-15)

We continue to consider that if Christ is in heaven away from us then where is our hope? We can think of the ascension as a doctrine that is not that encouraging or beneficial for us today. However Paul writes to Titus about the ascension of Christ implying that this doctrine is something that is significant. Why is this doctrine so important for us today as we journey through this age?