Why is it important for Christians to understand self-righteousness?

Self-righteousness is a significant barrier that prevents individuals from accepting the gospel. In John 5:40, Jesus declares that men will not come to Him because they trust in their own righteousness rather than His. This leads to spiritual blindness and rejection of God's grace. For Christians, acknowledging our inability to earn God's favor through our works humbles us and highlights the necessity of Christ's atoning sacrifice, wherein He becomes our righteousness. This understanding leads to deeper gratitude and reliance on God's grace alone for salvation.