“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” — John 14:6
However, if there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for a friend, then it is at least equal to love of Christ. Combine those two and it appears that Christ may choose those who lay down their life for another.
Who knows what happens in that last split second of life?
I don’t know what happens in that last second of life, but I do know what Christ said about entering Heaven. I have never seen anything that would indicate He makes exceptions for people who don’t believe He is the one and only Savior.
The thief next to Jesus on the cross went to Heaven, but only because he recognized that Jesus was the only one who could save him.