What does it mean that grace excludes salvation by works?

The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 5:4, illustrates that if one attempts to be justified by the law, they fall from grace. This is critical because it emphasizes that grace cannot coexist with any form of works. Grace is a divine gift that is free and unmerited; if it were conditioned on human efforts, it would transform into a meritorious system of salvation rather than the unearned favor of God. In Romans 11:6, Paul further explains that if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works; otherwise, grace ceases to be grace. This understanding ensures a clear distinction that salvation is wholly reliant on God's grace rather than human achievement.