I'm trying to understand your perspective and if I missed your point, please correct me.
When I read the bible and it tells us of those who fall short, it appears to me that it’s based on how they act. Here’s one example:
2 Thes. 3:13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
This passage tells us how we act determines what we will reap.
Gal. 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
When Paul tells Christians, “we will reap, if we do not give up”. That language sounds to me like we have a choice in who’s will we obey, God’s or our own.
1 Sam. 15:22 And Samuel said,
“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
as in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
In obeying God’s will, we are justified by Christ’s blood and not our works.