Why is justifying righteousness necessary for salvation?

God's holiness demands that anyone who wishes to stand in His presence must possess perfect righteousness. Psalm 24:3-4 asks, 'Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place?' The answer is one who has clean hands and a pure heart. Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), no one can naturally fulfill this requirement. Therefore, a justifying righteousness that exceeds human efforts must be found in Jesus Christ, who lived a sinless life and fulfilled the law perfectly on our behalf.