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.”

Many religions claim to offer a way to be able to please God. As a result, they say, that if you follow our way, you will likely make it into Heaven (or its equivalent).

Unknown to many people, the Bible does not teach that following a certain way will get you into Heaven. That kind of salvation involves a process – with an uncertain ending. If you noticed, the above verse mentions two different kinds of righteousness: “God’s righteousness” and “their own righteousness.”

Those who work hard to establish their own righteousness are not going to go to Heaven, Paul says. Instead, you need to have “God’s righteousness.” Notice also that Paul said – under inspiration of the Holy Spirit – that those who are focused on making sure they do righteous works to get into Heaven “have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”

So, how does one submit themselves to the “righteousness of God?” The last part of the verses above gives the answer: “to every one that believeth.”

What must be believed? That Christ died for your sins and paid for all of them, and that He will give you His own righteousness – when you believe and call on Him for salvation.

Here it is stated again in Romans 10:10: “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

And again in Romans 3:22: “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.”

Salvation has always been by God giving to man His own righteousness. This is seen in the case of Abraham in Romans 4:3: “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

Salvation comes when there is an exchange. Christ takes your sin upon Himself and pays for it on the Cross. When you believe what He did for you and ask Him to forgive and save you – He forgives and then gives you (without earning it) His righteousness.

This is how no person is beyond salvation. The sin does not matter – anything can be forgiven – unless you do not receive Him as your Savior and Lord. This principle is clearly stated in II Corinthians 5:21: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Have you received Him yet as your Savior? Are you tired of trying to establish “your own righteousness?” Why not ask Him right now to save you today? He waits for you to ask.