Even Paul, as righteous as he was, found out that he was wrong (read Acts 8:1-3, and Acts 9 for what changed his mind). Salvation cannot be attained through human efforts. Paul is showing how our own righteousness or good deeds mean nothing apart from the hope that is offered in Christ.
CHALLENGE: Is anyone taking up the challenge from my last email about being in the bible daily? If so, post here and clue me in on your reading plan! I personally am reading through I Samuel.