How do we "become" righteous? Romans 5-6

How do we "become" righteous?   In our reading in Matthew yesterday Jesus tells us that "just as our Father in heaven is holy (righteous) even so we must be righteous" (Matthew 5:48).  But, how does that happen?   In Romans we have the answer to that question explained, diagramed and fully laid out.   Notice how Paul sums up the answer here:

Romans 5:19

For as through the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous.

This is a fundamental thesis statement for Paul.   God is the one who "makes us righteous."   Through the "obedience of One" (Jesus' obedience on the cross) we have been "made" righteous.   For those who may miss the powerful truth here, Paul is telling us that the responsibility to obtain righteousness and fulfill Matthew 5:48 is done through Christ's work, not our own.   God not only requires that we "be righteous" He provide the way for us to become righteous.    No other religion comes close to this doctrinal truth.   All other religions demand that you become righteous.   But, none of them provide the righteousness via grace as a gift.   In other religions you have to earn it or prove it.   But, God proves it and earns it for us.   We can rejoice that our righteousness has been proven and provided by Jesus.   We don't have to worry about it.   God has it covered.   Rejoice that your salvation has been provided for by God and is given to you as a complete gift by God.   Relax and embrace His gift.