Why is Christ's righteousness necessary for salvation?

The necessity of Christ's righteousness for salvation stems from the fact that no human effort can achieve the holiness required by God. Through the atoning work of Christ, believers are imputed with His perfect righteousness, allowing them to be justified in the sight of God. As 2 Corinthians 5:21 states, 'For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.' This imputed righteousness means that believers stand accepted before God, not based on their own merits but solely on the sacrificial work of Christ. Understanding this is pivotal for appreciating the grace that saves and sustains us.