The problem is the pride of men .. they want to be in control of their own eternal fate ...
Which is the height of folly. To think that one can even begin to get close to what God requires one would have to actually be as perfectly sinless as Jesus. Why would anyone try to attain their own righteousness when Jesus offers His righteousness to us through faith?
Romans 3:22 The righteousness moreover from God through faith of Jesus Christ to all those believing for there is no distinction.
The "no distinction" there talking about Jews or Gentiles.