It is tempting to look only at verse 24 and not the importance of clinging to the iron rod. Of course that guide allowed them to come to the tree, but note the real message contained in verse 25. "And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed." While these people did hold to the iron rod, it essentially did nothing for their eternal salvation. Holding to the rod places us in a position where we can correctly exercise our agency and progress, but the fact of holding the rod does not guarantee a successful choice when we reach the tree. Surely we have all known someone who has "held to the rod" and attended meetings, even gone on a mission, and then declined to further partake of the fruit. The iron rod is a guide, not an end.