On LOST, do you think that Locke's fate on tonight's episode is permanent?

Locke is still with us. They would have shown him die before our eyes instead of leaving it up in the air. I think Jacob will save him. Jacob said to Locke, "Help me", which begs the question: what is Jacob seeking? I think since Locke has a special relationship to the island and to Jacob (since Jacob spoke to him and not Ben) that perhaps Locke is being called upon by Jacob for some special role on the island. Lost wouldn't be Lost without Locke.