What does it mean that if it is of works, it is no more grace?
It means grace and works are mutually exclusive. If salvation were by works, it would no longer be grace. A Jew must drop works religion and be saved the same way as a Gentile—by grace alone, not by keeping feast days or ceremonies. There can be no works for a Jew any more than for a Gentile.
Les explains that for both Jews and Gentiles there is no difference—all are unworthy and without hope. He teaches that if salvation is by grace, the gospel by which we are saved, then it is no more of works. Jewish people must understand that to be saved by this gospel of grace, they have to drop all their works religion of Judaism. Their ceremonies and feast days, like Passover, are beautiful pictures of the program of grace, but keeping those Jewish feast celebrations does not save. They must come away from that and realize it is not by works, not by keeping any feast days, but it is all of grace. There can be no works for a Jew any more than for a Gentile. Verse 6 says if it is of works, then it is no more grace; otherwise work is no more work. It sounds like double talk, but it isn't.
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.
More Questions
Why can't grace be mixed with works?
Grace cannot be mixed with works because if it is by grace, it is no more of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace.