“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Galatians 2:16 KJV
The Bible tells us that after Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, God imputes righteousness not to those who strive to obey the law, but to anyone who believes in His Son. The word 'impute' means to attribute or credit to!
Because Christ took our sins and gave us His righteousness, the moment we believe in Him, God treats us as righteous apart from our works or obedience.
This is new covenant righteousness—a righteousness that comes by faith and not works.
You are not righteous because of how morally upright you are. You are not righteous because you exercise self-control. You are not righteous because you read 10 chapters of the Bible daily. You are not righteous because you feel righteous. But you are the very righteousness of God in Christ solely because the sacrifice of Jesus made you so. When you believe this, your faith is accounted for righteousness.