Scripture says Christ died for sin—once for all—the righteous for the unrighteous. Righteousness is what God is, and righteousness is what we are not. And yes, righteousness is what God requires, but God has a way to make people right with him.

As David said: he leads me on paths of righteousness. The path of righteousness is a narrow, winding trail up a steep hill. And at the top of that hill is a cross.