Yes. I am a methodological naturalist in that sense. But the difference is that science is based on causes and effects which are measurable (with procedures independent of what we want or believe). This is not the case when it comes to grace or other spiritual matters.
But logical coherence between cause and effect? Yes. That is the difference between reality and a dreamworld.
Yes. Forgiveness is given freely because Christianity isn’t about God tormenting people because of what they have done. Christian salvation about the destructive nature of sin itself. Sin creates hell not God. Forgiveness is given freely to help us to let go of sin. But too much cheap forgiveness sends the wrong message because no amount of forgiveness can keep sin from destroying us.
Reducing “salvation and grace is a gift” to simply “forgiveness is a gift” trivializes the whole message. To say that “salvation cannot be earned” is no more than the simple fact that forgiveness cannot be earned, really misses the point. The real meaning is that the removal of our self-destructive habits requires the work of God. But this is not to say that it is done by some easy and painless divine magic. It is a work in our lives (and beyond) that is going to be long, difficult and painful. We are talking about changing who we are – who we have made ourselves to be by our own choices (choices which blind and cripple us). That can only happen by making new choices and God has to teach us those new choices. It is more difficult than it sounds, for these new choices have to rebuild the sight/awareness and abilities we have thrown away.
Why do you say that? I certainly don’t think so.
Assurance is entitlement. That is indulgence not forgiveness.
Forgiveness by itself is meaningless.
Salvation is transformation not forgiveness.