Why is the life of Jesus as important as His death?

The life of Jesus is essential to our salvation, as it is not only His death that redeems us but also His perfect life that provides righteousness. For 33 years, Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience to God's law, which is necessary for our justification. His actions, including civil and parental obedience, exemplify the standard of righteousness that we must have to approach God. As His death removes our sin, His life imparts righteousness to us. Without His life, there would be no imputed righteousness; therefore, salvation requires both His substitutionary death and His perfect fulfillment of the law.