Question 62 But why cannot our good works be the whole, or part of our righteousness before God?

But why cannot our good works be the whole, or part of our righteousness before God?

Because, that the righteousness, which can be approved of before the tribunal of God, must be absolutely perfect, [197] and in all respects conformable to the divine law; and also, that our best works in this life are all imperfect and defiled with sin. [198]