7 But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then],
these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come
to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and
the purpose which He has given my life]. 8 But more than that, I
count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and
supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of
growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy
unequaled]. For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all
garbage, so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him
[believing and relying on Him], not having any righteousness of my
own derived from [my obedience to] the Law and its rituals, but
[possessing] that [genuine righteousness] which comes through
faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis
of faith. 10 And this, so that I may know Him. Philippians 3 (AMP)