What does the Bible say about faith and righteousness?

In Romans 4, the Apostle Paul illustrates that faith, not works, is the basis for righteousness before God. He uses Abraham as a prime example, stating that 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness' (Romans 4:3). This signifies that righteousness is not achieved through human efforts or the flesh but is a divine gift given by grace. Thus, believers are declared righteous before God based solely on faith in the work of Christ, and not through any merit of their own. The concept of imputed righteousness underscores the Reformed understanding of how sinners are justified before a holy God.