What does the Scripture say about faith in relation to righteousness?

Faith, according to Romans 4:3, is the instrument through which righteousness is imputed to believers. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that faith itself is not valued as righteousness but rather as the means by which we access the righteousness provided by Christ. This distinction is vital; while believers are called to have faith, it is the righteousness of Christ that is credited to them, not the merit of their belief. Thus, righteousness is received by faith but not originated from faith, reinforcing that salvation is a complete work of God’s grace.