Righteousness is By Faith Through the Spirit - Galatians 5:5

We through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

Unfortunately, there are many of us who have developed a "holier than thou" complex because we have disciplined ourselves to a great extent in in keeping the law and commandments. Furthermore, many of us have studied the gospel a great deal, and we pride ourselves in it. But these things do not make us worthy of salvation!

Yes, they do make us worthy of blessings; and as a people, we are very blessed. But righteousness does not come by obeying the commandments or the law - it is only a prerequisite for righteousness. Righteousness comes by obeying the Spirit. It is completely possible to obey all the commandments and yet not receive the Spirit. This is the epitome of the Pharisee.

Jesus is the only one who can save us, and He does not save us for keeping the commandments alone. The commandments are a precursor to obeying the Spirit. So it is by faith in Jesus Christ that we obey the Spirit - and it is the Spirit that cleanses us. And then and only then are we considered righteous in the eyes of Him who's estimation of us really matters.

2 Nephi 2:3:

I know thou art redeemed because of the righteousness of thy Redeemer

Notice that it is not said: you are redeemed because of your righteousness - nope - Personal righteousness does not save us, it blesses us. It is iterated may times: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper in the land... (1 Nephi 2:20)

While keeping the commandments is a crucial thing, it does not qualify us for being saved.

2 Nephi 2:4,5:

The way is prepared from the fall of man, and salvation is free... men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men...

 We all have a conscience through the Light of Christ and we know the commandments, and knowing the law, which is knowing good from evil:

... by the law no flesh is justified; or, by the law men are cut off. Yea, by the temporal law they were cut off; and also, by the spiritual law they perish from that which is good, and become miserable forever.

 Again note that we are not saved by keeping the commandments (the law). It is also interesting that the word "flesh" is used. Also in v. 8 we read:

... there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life ... that he may bring to pass the resurrection.

I take this to mean that keeping the commandments cannot sanctify our body. We must have the Holy Spirit to sanctify us.

3 Nephi 27:20

... be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.

2 Nephi 2:9

Wherefore He is the firstfruits unto God, insamuch as He shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in Him shall be saved.