How do we know our obedience is acceptable to God?

In 1 Peter 2, the apostle Peter emphasizes that any obedience we offer to God is only acceptable because of Christ's righteousness. Our works do not earn God's favor; they are rather a response of gratitude for His unmerited grace in our salvation. Romans 7 illustrates this struggle, where Paul expresses his desire to do good but acknowledges his failure due to sin. The believer's integrity is founded in the understanding that we rely solely on Christ for our righteousness, and thus our obedience should stem from love and gratitude rather than a desire to earn merit.