Clinging vs. Holding Fast

In 1 Nephi 8 we read about Lehi's vision of the tree of life. From numerous Sunday School, Primary, and YM/YW lessons, we know that the iron rod represents the Word of God. By holding to the rod we will be led to the tree of life which represents the love of God or the Savior.

There are two different groups of people who follow the iron rod to the tree.

In 1 Nephi 8:24 "And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree." But then in vs. 28 we read that "after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost."

The next group (discussed in verse 30) ". . . came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree."

There's a footnote reference to the word "clinging" in verse 24 which refers to Diligence and Perseverance in the Topical Guide. The dictionary definition of "cling"is hold on tightly to. "Clinging" and "holding fast" mean the same thing. The outward behaviors or actions of both groups of people were the same. So something else has to be going on with the two different groups of people to result in two such opposite outcomes. Something in their hearts, perhaps? Their motivation?

Clinging to the rod of iron, for the first group, was their temporal security. They knew there were obstacles ahead of them and that the rod would get them safely through the mists of darkness and past the river. Without faith and without a testimony of what they were clinging to, they didn't recognize their destination when they arrived at the tree, and they allowed themselves to turn their back on salvation and head toward the great and spacious building. The second group, however, knew that the rod of iron was their spiritual security and would lead to their salvation. And while it got them past the dangers, the important thing is that it led them to something eternally important, even the love of God. They knew the Lord, and they recognized Him when they arrived.

God loved us, so he sent his Son,

Christ Jesus, the atoning One,

To show us by the path he trod

The one and only way to God.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

"For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)