THE ONE THING WE NEED TO GO TO HEAVEN!

RIGHTEOUSNESS

According to Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, "righteousness" is a noun meaning:  Holiness; purity; uprightness; the state of being right with God.  In other words, "to be righteous" is to be in total harmony with God Almighty!

RIGHTEOUSNESS IS TO BE OUR FIRST PRIORITY

Matthew 6:33 - "...seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, and HIS righteousness...."

THE UNRIGHTEOUS STATE OF MAN

Psalm 14:1-3 - The fool has said in his heart, There is no God.  They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is NONE that does good.   The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and (did) seek God.  They are ALL gone aside, they are ALL together become filthy:  there is NONE who does good, no, NOT ONE.

Psalm 53:1-3 -  The fool has said in his heart, There is no God.  Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity:  there is NONE who does good.  God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.  EVERY ONE of them is gone back:  THEY ARE ALTOGETHER become filthy; there is NONE that does good, no, NOT ONE.

Isaiah 64:6 - But we are ALL as an unclean thing, and ALL our righteous (acts) are as filthy rags; and we ALL do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Romans 3:9-11, 23 - What then?  Are we better than they?  No, in no wise:  for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are ALL under sin; as it is written, There is NONE righteous, no, NOT ONE:  There is NONE that understands, there is NONE that seeks after God. - - - For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory (necessary to be with) God.

THE FUTILITY OF TRYING TO EARN RIGHTEOUSNESS

Romans 3:20 - Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall NO flesh be justified (declared righteous) in His sight:  for by the Law is the knowledge of sin.

Romans 4:2 - For if Abraham were justified by works, he had whereof to glory; but not before God.

Romans 10:1-3 - Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.  For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.  For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and GOING ABOUT TO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Romans 11:5-6 - Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.  And if by grace, then is it NO MORE OF WORKS: otherwise grace is no more grace.  But if it be of works, then is it no more grace:  otherwise work is no more work.

GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS IS A FREE GIFT

Romans 4:2-5 - For if Abraham were justified by works, he had whereof to glory; but not before God.  For what say the Scriptures?  Abraham believed God, and IT WAS COUNTED UNTO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS.  Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.  But to him that works not, but believes on Him Who justifies the ungodly, HIS FAITH IS COUNTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS.  

2 Corinthians 5:20-21 - Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:  we pray you in Christ's stead, be reconciled to God.  For He has made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; THAT WE MIGHT BE MADE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM.  

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace (unmerited favor) are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD:  not of works, lest any man should boast.

TO SUMMARIZE

Romans 3:20-22 - Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight:  for by the Law is the knowledge of sin.  But now the righteousness of God without (apart from) the Law is manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets; even THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD WHICH IS BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST UNTO ALL AND UPON ALL WHO BELIEVE.