NAKEDNESS

NAKEDNESS
Legend has it that it was a custom among the Temple Guards that any one caught asleep at his post of duty was to be stripped of his clothing, and he would have to go home naked.
While this cannot be traced in the Bible, I believe it to be true, for there are references which seem to bear it out.
Revelation 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed [is] he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
Mark 13:36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.
Mk 13:37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
I do not believe these scriptures are dealing with Salvation. Rather, it would seem they are dealing with rewards or the lack of them, which would result from our diligence or lack of it in our walk with the Lord after we are saved.
SALVATION, it must be emphasized, is a GIFT. WE CANNOT EARN IT IN ANY WAY.
REWARDS, however, is a different ball game entirely, and are based upon our progress, or lack of it after we come to trust in Jesus for the well-being of our souls.
In the Revelation, one whole Church was sternly rebuked for its lack of development. Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Another of the Churches was commended for their steadfastness in a pure walk in the face of overwhelming hardship -
Revelation 3:4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
There is an interesting story recorded regarding people being made naked. It happened while Moses was on Mt. Sinai with the Lord. Aaron had made a golden calf at the request of the people. (Leaders are supposed to lead, not follow.) The Lord told Moses to go back down, for there was something terrible happening. Exodus 32:25 And when Moses saw that the people [were] naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto [their] shame among their enemies:) We have no way of knowing whether or not the people were actually unclothed or not, for the word is translated so many different ways. Look at just a few:
Proverbs 8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
Proverbs 13:18 Poverty and shame [shall be to] him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
Proverbs 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
Proverbs 29:18 Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: (become naked - go back - refuse instruction) but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he.
The general usage of the Hebrew word seems to indicate a departure from the principles of Godliness rather than having "bare essentials".
"Permissiveness" is another description.
There is another Hebrew word used to denote nudity.
In the event of the golden calf - it was associated with a degree of social activity mixed in with their worship.
Exodus 32:6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.
Worship to Almighty God is one thing. Play, and other social activity is something else. Trying to mix them is a dangerous game. Many Church congregations are playing that game, with varying degrees of disaster being the result.
Paul referred to the golden calf incident this way: I Corinthians 10:7 Neither be ye idolaters, as [were] some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.