What does it mean to be declared righteous before God?

To be declared righteous before God signifies that one is acquitted of sin and accepted into a right standing with Him. Romans 4:5 states that God justifies the ungodly by faith, which is charged to their account. This imputation of righteousness stems from Christ's redemptive work and affirms that it is not human merit that earns righteousness but divine grace. Thus, believers have assurance of being justified, as indicated in Romans 3:24, which speaks of being freely justified by His grace.