In these verses, the apostle Paul talks about two different kinds of righteousness. Although both are important, only one of them will enable an individual to go to Heaven.

First, he mentions “God’s righteousness.” Secondly, he mentions “their own righteousness.”

God’s righteousness is perfect. No human can attain it, because there is no sin or shortcomings with His righteousness. It is blameless.

“Their own righteousness” is the kind that man generates. It is flawed because of sin and an inability to follow God’s laws perfectly. This kind falls short of what God demands of us. Man attempts to generate “their own righteousness” many ways, including religious reform, church membership, baptism, philanthropic deeds – even by becoming ordained! But God says it is far insufficient of the righteousness He demands.

Probably the most religious people on earth were the Pharisees. Although not perfect, they not only memorized the books of Moses, they also tried to keep them. Jesus even credited them with tithing of the spices in their gardens. Even Paul (who was a Pharisee before salvation), in his testimony, said that he was blameless as far as keeping the law was concerned – before he was saved: “touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless” (Phil. 3:6). Despite it, he was not saved.

Jesus, however, made it clear that the righteousness that comes from trying to keep the law is insufficient to earn forgiveness and eternal life. In Matthew 5:20, He said: “That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

A sinner (all people) can get the “righteousness of God” by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation. Ask Him for forgiveness of your sin and thank Him for dying for you to pay for them. When you ask Him for salvation and are willing to turn from your sin to do God’s will, God puts it on your account in Heaven that you have the “righteousness of God.”