The Bible Answer
Can a believer live a terrible life and still go to heaven? Yes! If that person has truly believed on Jesus Christ. They placed all their trust IN the Lord Jesus Christ ALONE for salvation. They are going to heaven no matter what happens in their life. But don't confuse eternal security with God's approval of sin. God doesn't approve of living in sin.
Jesus says in John 5:24:
SCRIPTUREJohn 5:24KJV"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."
Notice, everlasting life is already his! He's been passed from death unto life. It's a done deal. It's not a prize for a lifetime of good behavior.
Romans 4:5 says:
SCRIPTURERomans 4:5KJV"But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."
Salvation is by faith, not good behavior!
So what happens when a Christian lives in serious sin?
In First Corinthians 11, believers were abusing the Lord's supper. Some became sick. Some even died! A believer who is a child of God may lose their life due to sinning against the Lord.
Verse 32 says:
SCRIPTURE1 Corinthians 11:32KJV"But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world."
That's chastening, that's punishment from a loving Father, not eternal condemnation!
Some argue that ongoing wickedness proves someone was never truly saved. Statements like that are directly connected to a false Gospel. These same people will point to James chapter 2. But James is confronting faith that fails to help others, fails to profit others, not adding good works as a condition for everlasting life.
Romans chapter 6 condemns continuing in sin. God's grace is no excuse for wickedness! Sin can destroy relationships, ruin lives, and bring God's discipline.
Christians absolutely should live righteously. But righteous living doesn't keep anybody saved. Salvation is kept by the power of God. You don't earn salvation and you definitely don't keep salvation yourself either.
Eternal life is Christ's promise to THE BELIEVER. Obedience is the believer's responsibility. And all believers mess that up throughout their life because of the flesh. Don't confuse the two! Don't confuse eternal life with obedience to Jesus Christ.