The purpose of righteousness is to be in "good terms" with God. This is also the definition of righteouness. In wearing that lense, one can see how righteousness is completely enabled by God's choice for us to be in "good terms" with him, and at the same time constrained by our agreement and choice of him. Like the water well and the water valve, without the well's choice to provide water, no water would be possible, and without the valve's choice to allow water, no water would be actual.
Righteousness is not a matter of what good things one does or does not do in order to be on "good terms" with God. Righteousness is a matter of one communing with God, who is good. To commune with God is to live. This living is eternal living.
If you desire righteousness, let not your focus be on "what must I do?" Let your focus be on "with whom must I be?" Be with Jesus at all costs.
