To the contrary.
ST. AUGUSTINE: The centurion Cornelius, before Baptism, was better than Simon [Magus], who had been baptized. For Cornelius, even before Baptism, was filled with the Holy Ghost, while Simon, after Baptism, was puffed up with an unclean spirit.
OK. I'd love to see some quotes from A Treatise on the Predestination of the Saints.
Off topic but related...I find it interesting two of the best examples of great faith in the NT are not only Romans but soldiers.