None of us can "earn" a place with God ...
Romans as it is written, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; 11THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; 12ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE."
We were given that choice, it's called freewill.
Remember that story of the woman caught in adultery - and when the accusers had left, Jesus said "there is no one left to accuse you and nor do I - go forth and sin no more".
The whole reason Jesus came to redeem humanity was to offer us that chance for forgiveness and redemption.