What does it mean that Jesus is the righteousness of God?

The concept of Jesus as the righteousness of God is articulated in 2 Corinthians 5:21, which states that God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. This means that Jesus, through His perfect obedience to the law and His sacrificial death, becomes the source of righteousness for those who believe in Him. For Christians, this imputed righteousness is essential because it is the basis upon which they will stand before God at the final judgment. Thus, faith in Christ not only provides forgiveness of sins but also grants believers the status of being righteous in God's sight, as they are united with Christ.