“These in white robes—

who are they, and where did they come from?”

Revelation 7:13

What an interesting question considering the answer is given already in this text. They are “from every nation, tribe, people and language.” But there is something else about “these in white robes.” They have all come “out of the great tribulation.” They have all “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

It is in this framework that we today remember our departed sister in Christian faith, Mrs. Francis W. Erb. So, first and foremost, let’s remember her according to who she was, and where she came from, with respect to Jesus Christ. But let’s also remember her according to who she was and where she came from apart from Jesus Christ.

Even though I was able to have only one visit with Francis, I think I know enough to speak accurately of her. To my surprise, I even learned that we shared a similar beginning in life. She was adopted, and so was I. What I am not surprised about is that she was a typical human being with all the human frailties that go along with being a daughter of Eve. What I mean is that she was from conception, like us, endowed with a sinful human nature that would serve to keep her blind, dead, and an enemy of God. I am not trying to discredit her person. Not in the least. I am merely stating biblical fact.

As a rebellious child of Eve, I’m sure Francis did and said many things in her life that she would later regret. Is it any different for any among us?--Or are we so proud of the flesh that we would say otherwise? As Christians, I believe that our boast is not in ourselves, but in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is He who says, 18 “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so that you can become rich; and [buy from me] white clothes to wear, so that you can cover your shameful nakedness; and [buy from me] salve to put on your eyes, so that you can see.” Even the angels are said to fall down before His throne and say, "Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!" Why do they do that? It is because the all-embracing power of salvation comes freely, but only from Him.

It is He who touched Francis’ life in the water and Word of Holy Baptism, according to His own Word, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” Rebirth. That’s what it takes for any human being to see the kingdom of God. And, any human being who has that spiritual birth is one with all the others in Christ with God. So who are these people? They are the ones who have come through trials, and temptations, and tribulations, to wash their robes in the only true cleansing solution for sin, the blood of Jesus Christ. They are the ones who have received new life, new sight, and new friendship with God through faith in his name. They are people just like you and me.

They come from every nation, every culture, and every language, to be united as one body in Christ. Francis celebrated this joyous reality in numerous ways. When she was able she was active in her church and helpful to those in need. She was a woman who trusted that all people are like her, creatures of one Creator who loves and desires all to come to a knowledge of truth and so be saved. To me, she presented a trusting and faithful woman capable of knowing right from wrong, and good from evil. What a joy it was to meet her and commune her.

You see, according to her human nature, Francis was a sinner, prone to godless disobedience and blind wandering from the truth. Yet, at the same time, she had been touched by grace and endowed with the Spirit of the living God, which made her also a holy person for God’s own purpose. There is tension in that isn’t there? It is the tension between the Spirit and the flesh that all Christians face. It is this tension that brings tribulation, yet joy to life.

That is why we celebrate her life in Christ. He is the Lamb whose blood takes away the sin of all people. He is the God who can and does cleanse human consciences of guilt. He is the one who says to us, “buy from me gold refined in the fire, so that you can become rich; and [buy from me] white clothes to wear, so that you can cover your shameful nakedness; and [buy from me] salve to put on your eyes, so that you can see.” What is it we can see? Jesus Christ, true God and True Man, the Savior of all mankind.

We see the way made holy for us and for all people. We see the cross upon which He was slain for our guilt and our sin. We see the empty tomb from which He was raised again the third day. We see the glory of His name filling the earth with newborn creations of God. We see a multitude of people “standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.” They are by His divine mercy and grace, “a radiant Church, without stain our wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” We see a people united in one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is over all and through all and in all. We see, Jesus Christ. And that my friends, is who I think Francis was and where I think she came from. Amen.