Why is Christ our righteousness important for Christians?

Understanding Christ as our righteousness is crucial for Christians because it underscores the basis of their justification and relationship with God. Without recognizing this, believers may fall into the trap of self-righteousness and rely on their own works. Psalm 71 articulates this necessity by proclaiming that deliverance and salvation come through God's righteousness alone. By resting in Christ's righteousness, Christians find peace, assurance, and hope, knowing that they are accepted as holy and blameless before God, as Ephesians 1:4 declares.