"You see "our word""
I though you would like that ! :)
"because that is how the Church teaches us to understand God, it seems clear and logical today only because the early Church fathers settled this issue about 1600-1700 years ago."
And why/how did they settle it? Because the found it in the Scriptures!!! It was not revealed to them from heaven.
"Same with purgatory, it is what it is, it is referenced in Scripture, not as often as the two ultimate ends to be sure,"
"Not as often" - not at all. Not even once in an unambiguous fashion.
"and I really don't think that you truly believe, that the number of times something is mentioned in Scripture make it more real than if it is not mentioned specifically at all."
True, but a theological point needs to be expressed clearly ONE TIME - just one time. Jesus is clearly called God by the NT - so is the Holy Spirit.
"the only time that particular phrase appears in the bible it is preceded by the words "not by".
Luke 7:50
And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
What is scripture if not revelation from heaven?;) If resolving the the issue (and many, many others) was as simple as flipping open a page in a book there would not be many denominational splits in the church. The simple fact that scripture is not self revealing should be self evident. Now, I would never disagree that the concept of the triune nature of God is found in scripture, but I wold argue that it's easily discernible, if it were, why the need for a council to define the dogma?
You can't see purgatory in scripture because you've been tough not to see it, it conflicts with the dogmas that you have accepted, this does not mean that the references are not there. The Jew and the atheist rejects the divinity of Christ even though they are perfectly capable or reading hte very same scripture that you and I read, why? It's there for all to see, but their world view, and a lack of grace prevent them from seeing the truth. You as a Christian do not lack grace, but you lack the willingness, due to a particular theological view, to see what is there. But I have hope for you!
Luke 7:50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
Christ didn't insert the word "alone" why should we?
go in peace.
:)