wow, thanks! didn't realised it was a translation issue.
I'm using the NIV and sometimes NKJV. Looks like the NIV translators took the liberty to "twist" the scripture as we'll call it.
As an illustration, check this out, I just did a study of another "problematic works based" verse in Revelations 19:8.
It seems that only a few got the translation of righteousness instead of righteous work "right" when referring to linen. Even the NKJV and NIV got it wrong.
New International Version (©1984)
Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)
New Living Translation (©2007)
She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear." For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God's holy people.
English Standard Version (©2001)
it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (©2009)
She was given fine linen to wear, bright and pure. For the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.
International Standard Version (©2012)
She has been given the privilege of wearing fine linen, dazzling and pure." (The fine linen represents the righteous deeds of the saints.)
King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English (©2010)
And it was given to her to wear fine linen, pure and bright, for the fine linen is the uprightness of The Holy Ones.
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
She has been given the privilege of wearing dazzling, pure linen." This fine linen represents the things that God's holy people do that have his approval.
King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of saints.
American King James Version
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
American Standard Version
And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright and pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
Douay-Rheims Bible
And it is granted to her that she should clothe herself with fine linen, glittering and white. For the fine linen are the justifications of saints.
Darby Bible Translation
And it was given to her that she should be clothed in fine linen, bright and pure; for the fine linen is the righteousnesses of the saints.
English Revised Version
And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright and pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
Webster's Bible Translation
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Weymouth New Testament
And she was permitted to array herself in fine linen, shining and spotless; the fine linen being the righteous actions of God's people.
World English Bible
It was given to her that she would array herself in bright, pure, fine linen: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
Young's Literal Translation
and there was given to her that she may be arrayed with fine linen, pure and shining, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.'