Why is rejecting personal righteousness important for Christians?

Rejecting personal righteousness is foundational to the gospel message. It signifies acknowledging that we cannot rely on our own efforts to be justified before God, as echoed in Philippians 3:9, which contrasts personal righteousness with the righteousness that comes from faith in Christ. By understanding that all human righteousness is inadequate, Christians are led to depend entirely on Christ's redemptive work, recognizing that their standing before God must rest on His perfect obedience and sacrificial death rather than their own flawed attempts at moral living. This shift in dependence not only aligns with biblical teaching but also brings freedom and assurance to the believer.