What does it mean that Jesus Christ is our righteousness?

The Christian conception of righteousness is intimately tied to the work of Jesus Christ. His life exemplified perfect adherence to God's law, making Him the fulfillment of all righteousness on behalf of His people. In 2 Corinthians 5:21, it is stated, 'For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.' This imputation of Christ's righteousness means that God counts believers as righteous through faith in Jesus, rather than their own works. This truth emphasizes the grace-filled nature of salvation, ensuring that acceptance before God is based entirely on Christ's merit, not human effort.