I Wonder

I was watching Deep Impact on television last night and I was wondering what God would do to people who selflessly sacrificed their lives to save others. If you've seen the movie then you know what I'm talking about. Do you think God would allow someone into heaven for laying his life down for the sake of humanity? I FIRMLY believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to reach the Father, so I don't know how to answer the question.

I've always wondered about so-called "death bed confessions." If you know you are about to die in a matter of moments, are you truly calling on Christ to save you? Or is it just the fear of death causing you to react? Jesus told a parable about a worker hiring people to work in his field. He hired some early in the morning and he hired even more as the day progressed. At the end of the day he paid them all the same thing regardless of how long they had been in the field. I have always been taught (and assumed) that parable was addressing this matter. All who call upon the name of the LORD will be saved, no matter how long they live afterwards.

But that really doesn't address my question does it? Anyone out there have any opinions? Do you think God would show mercy to someone who gave his/her life for a fellow human? The Bible does say that there is no greater love than when a man lays his life down for his friend. How far do you think that extends? I'm not sure.