Why is self-righteousness a barrier to salvation?

The story of the rich young ruler illustrates the danger of self-righteousness. He believed he had kept all the commandments, yet failed to recognize his need for grace. As Romans 10:3 indicates, being ignorant of God's righteousness and trying to establish one’s own righteousness is futile. In contrast, true righteousness is found in Christ alone, emphasizing that without acknowledging our sinful nature and need for God's grace, we will not seek the salvation offered in Christ. It is only through humility and recognition of our inability to save ourselves that we can receive the gift of salvation.