Why is the concept of righteousness essential for salvation?

Righteousness is a central theme in Scripture, as it represents the standard that God requires for salvation. Romans 3:10 states, 'There is none righteous, no, not one,' indicating that all have fallen short of God’s glory. This underscores our need for an external righteousness, that can only come through Christ. His perfect obedience and sacrificial death fulfill the requirement of God's law, bestowing upon believers a righteousness that is imputed to them, as described in Romans 4:6. Therefore, righteousness from Christ, not our own works, is the ground upon which we stand justified before God.