When Abraham believed, Romans 4:3 says, “…it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Believing is faith in action. His righteousness is imparted to us at salvation.

Titus 3:5 clarified this. It says, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us…” Our righteousness, often expressed through self-righteousness, is as filthy rags.

In Luke 18:10 we see a contrast between a Pharisee, and a tax collector. Jesus spoke this parable to expose the hidden sin of self-righteousness. Note the words, “…I am not like other men…” The Pharisee thought he was right, but in his heart he despised others.

The tax collector’s eyes were cast down. Verse 13 says, “…God be merciful to me a sinner!” That is how we come to Jesus for salvation. We must first recognize that we are sinners. We have no merit of our own.

In Psalm 103:10 we read a definition of God’s mercy. It says, “He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities.” His mercy endures forever.