Why is it impossible to save oneself?

The Bible teaches that our righteousness is like filthy rags before a holy God (Isaiah 64:6). Paul explains in Romans 3:19-20 that no one can be justified by works of the law, as all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This highlights our total depravity and inability to achieve righteousness on our own. Therefore, understanding this reality leads us to acknowledge our need for Christ and His redemptive work on the cross. Salvation must be by grace through faith in Him alone, emphasizing that self-salvation is not only impossible but fundamentally misguided.