Romans 5:17 For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Righteousness is a gift from God.  James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights

Romans 10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God.

• Those who try to establish their own righteousness say, "What can I get away with?"

• Those who are saved by grace say, "How can I get closer to God so I can receive more of His righteousness?"

Isaiah 45:8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it.

Hebrews 12:28b let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear

It is by grace, which is the unmerited favor or God, that we are able to server God acceptably.  Why do we try to do it ourselves?