Can we have righteousness of our own?

With faith in Christ can we merit salvation?

The answer to both is YES.

I recently responded to a post on X. The author said Jesus was not our friend and God was our enemy. My response was Jesus is our friend. John 15:14-15. Also, if we stay away from sin, God will be our father not our enemy. 2 Cor. 6:17-18

Did you notice both of these conditional promises are merit based? If you do whatsoever I command, you are my friend. If you touch not the unclean thing, you will be my son or daughter.

Jesus said in Luke 21:36 KJV Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.