Retainership of First Timers

There is a strong connection between John 3:16, John 14:2-3, and Revelation. 7:9. The common denominator is God's desire to have as many people as possible in heaven. This is because Jesus had gone to prepare "many mansions" in His Father's house for those who will eventually be part of the bride at the marriage of the Lamb.
It is delightful to read the revelation received by John on the Island of Patmos. He said there was "a great multitude which no man could number of all nations and kindreds, and people, and tongues." There is a sense in which it could be stated that born-again Christians who were initially retained as first-timers would be part of the great multitude.
In this light, retaining first-time attendees becomes particularly worrisome for church leaders and workers who aspire to reach heaven and bring along as many people as possible.