The white robes of baptism are symbolic of a new way of life, but also of preparation for eternal life. He is speaking of death, of course, and we are given a vision of heaven. I saw a poll a few years ago which suggested fewer preachers these days speak about heaven in their sermons. It seems people in the pews don't want to think about death or what comes after. Preachers want to be relevant and popular, and if people don't want to be reminded of death, well, they aren't going to press it.
Death is an equal opportunity employer.
And I like the way that children aren't excluded, homosexuals are welcomed, and militants aren't banned. The really wondering thing about death is that all major religions agree on it, all beliefs take you there, all philosophy bows before it, all arguments end there. Con men can't con it. Thieves can't nick it. Bullies can't share it.