The Shakespearean sonnet, titled A Sonnet on the Tragedy of Forsaking God’s Truth for a Reprobate Mind’s Dark Immoral Path, explores the tragic consequences of rejecting God’s holy ways, as inspired by Romans 1:28 and related KJV verses. It describes how humanity, by choosing not to retain God’s truth (Romans 1:28), falls into a “reprobate mind,” pursuing fleeting lusts and idolatry (Romans 1:25). This leads to folly (Romans 1:22), as people rely on their own flawed paths (Jeremiah 10:23), resulting in sin’s deadly consequences (James 1:15). The sonnet paints a somber picture of spiritual darkness and despair but concludes with hope, as God calls the wayward to return to His mercy and life (Jeremiah 3:22). The poem underscores the tragedy of self-inflicted ruin while affirming divine grace.

• Romans 1:28: “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.”
• Romans 1:25: “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”
• Romans 1:22: “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.”
• Jeremiah 10:23: “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.”
• James 1:15: “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
• Jeremiah 3:22: “Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God.

In shadows cast by willful, erring choice,
The heart, unmoored, defies the sacred call,
And spurns the truth where heaven’s joys rejoice,
To chase the fleeting shades that lead to fall.
With minds reprobate, they weave their chains,
Embracing lies that glitter in the night,
Yet every step compounds their soul’s deep pains,
As sin’s deceit obscures the holy light.
No peace abides where God’s commands are scorned,
But restless voids that echo with despair,
For paths apart from grace are bruised and torn,
And lead to wastes where hope cannot repair.
Yet still His mercy whispers through the strife,
To turn the lost to everlasting life.