And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Read Chapter 11
Ambrosiaster
AD 400
It is clear that because grace is the gift of God there is no reward due for works, but it is granted freely because of the free mercy which intervenes. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
Grace is given not because we have done good works but in order that we may have power to do them, not because we have fulfilled the law but in order that we may be able to fulfill it.
The apostle has expressed himself in this way … because he wants to show that the law and grace are completely incompatible and that the two of them can never go together. Of necessity, one must drive the other out. .
It is not now by works: otherwise grace is no more grace. The election of God, and the first grace at least, are always without any merits on our part; but if we speak of works done in a state of grace, and by the assistance of God's grace, we co-operate with the graces given, and by thus co-operating, we deserve and merit a reward in heaven. (Witham)
If salvation were to come by works, done by nature, without faith and grace, salvation would not be a grace or favour, but a debt; but such dead works are indeed of no value in the sight of God towards salvation. It is not the same with regard to works done with and by God's grace; for to such works as these he has promised eternal salvation. (Challoner)
If we are all saved by grace, some might argue, why is everyone not saved? ‘Because they did not want to be’ is the answer. For grace, even though it is grace, saves the willing, not those who refuse it and turn away from it.
