G-d is the only one who is righteous. Man is not righteous.
Isaiah 64:6 “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (KJV)
The only way Man can be righteous is by having G-d’s righteousness imputed to us. “Imputed” means “credited”.
Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Messiah (Christ), the righteousness which is of G-d by faith.
We cannot be considered righteous apart from G-d.
Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of G-d, which is by faith of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ) unto all and upon all them that, believe: for there is no difference:
In Romans 1:17 the phrase “Righteousness of G-d” should be translated “G-d’s righteousness”. This is extremely subtle. G-d does not possess righteousness He is righteousness.
I am reminded of French class. In French you do not say, “Je suis Froid” (I am cold) because that means “I am frigid”. In French you say “J’ai Froid” (I have cold). So applying this concept to the above, the “Righteousness of G-d” would be the same idea as (I have righteousness). Where the statement “G-d’s righteousness” is like the statement (I am righteous). The first is an attribute (characteristic) of the person. The second is what the person is.
G-d is (equals) Righteous.
G-d does not possess righteousness.
“Righteousness from G-d is not simply an attribute of G-d or an idea, a theological truth, or even a religious dogma. It is present in a person, Yeshua HaMashiach; and because Yeshua is the personal manifestation of G-d’s righteousness, righteousness must be received through a relationship in G-d’s Son.”
“When G-d looks at us, He looks at us through the righteousness of His Son. This does not mean we possess this on our own or apart from G-d’s pronouncement. This is a forensic or covenantal understanding of righteousness rather than a moral or ethical understanding, for is begins with G-d’s treating humanity in a way which its unfaithfulness and wickedness do not warrant…. the forgiven party is at the time no better or worse than it was before. It is a righteousness from G-d utterly independent of merit, otherwise the reward would be a payment or obligation of G-d (Rom. 4:4).” From “New International Biblical Commentary: Romans” James R Edwards. Hendrickson Publishers.
So "we have (possess) righteousness" because of Yeshua.
We are not (!=) equal to righteousness."
In the KJV the phrase “from faith to faith is used. Notice the translation in the NIV.
Romans 1:17 For in the gospel a righteousness from G-d is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." NIV
Paul is telling us here that righteousness is by FAITH from start to finish plus nothing else. Not works or by our actions. NOTHING.