Why is relying on Christ alone for salvation important?

Relying solely on Christ for salvation is fundamental in Reformed theology because it acknowledges our utter inability to earn righteousness apart from Him. Philippians 3:8-9 articulates this clearly, as Paul counts all things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ. Our attempts at righteousness or good works are described as 'rubbish' compared to the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. This dependence on Christ reflects the heart of the Gospel: that salvation is a gift from God, not earned or deserved by our actions, allowing us to rest fully in His grace.