Why can Christians not rely on their own righteousness?

The reason Christians cannot depend on their own righteousness is clearly articulated in Romans 3:23, which states, 'For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.' This universal condition of sinfulness means that no one can achieve the standard of holiness required by God through personal effort or morality. The law serves merely to expose sin (Romans 3:20) and cannot justify anyone. Thus, the righteousness that Christians have is not based on their actions but rather on the imputed righteousness of Christ through faith. Galatians 2:21 reinforces this, indicating that if righteousness could come through the law, then Christ died for nothing. The only righteousness that can stand before God comes from faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law perfectly.