How do we know the righteousness of Christ is necessary for salvation?

The necessity of Christ's righteousness is foundational in sovereign grace theology. Romans 3:10 states that 'there is none righteous, no, not one,' which underscores the fact that our own attempts at righteousness are inadequate. By believing in Christ and His atoning work, we are clothed with His righteousness, which is essential for our justification before God. This righteousness satisfies divine justice and is provided freely to those who have been 'bitten' by sin and know their need for forgiveness. Thus, to be justified, we must rest completely on Christ’s finished work, as found in Romans 4:5, where it says, 'To the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.'