Romans 11:6

If by grace. That is, if the election of the remnant is by grace. In this verse Paul seeks to make clear, against all possible misunderstanding, the doctrine of justification by faith through the grace of God. If salvation is by grace, then it is no longer on the basis of what men have done. Otherwise grace would no longer be grace. If the remnant had deserved to be elected, then there was no grace in God’s dealing with them. The idea of unmerited and freely given grace is absolutely contrary to that of wages earned or reward deserved. If the gift of God’s grace could be earned or deserved, then grace would lose its specific character and meaning. However, all but the remnant of Israel have failed to understand this.

Is no more grace. Literally, “becomes no longer grace.” That is, grace ceases to be what it once was.

If it be of works. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the omission of the remaining words of this verse. However, their meaning has already been implied in the first half of the verse.