Why is the concept of being righteous within and without important for Christians?

The call for righteousness within and without is foundational in the Christian faith, emphasizing that true holiness must encompass both our inner selves and outward actions. The Scriptures consistently highlight that God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7) and that external appearances alone cannot suffice for true righteousness. In Matthew 23:25-26, Christ admonished the Pharisees for focusing on the outward cleanliness while neglecting the inside, which was filled with hypocrisy. True salvation transforms the believer's heart and cleanses them from sin, making them pure both internally and externally, allowing them to stand before a holy God.