Does God use evil to achieve His purposes?

Understanding the Question

Does God use evil to achieve His purposes? This question arises from passages in Scripture that depict God as both sovereign and good, yet allowing—or even directing—events that involve evil. The following sections explore how Scripture addresses this tension, offering examples of God’s overarching plan, His unwavering holiness, and humanity’s moral responsibility.

Defining “Evil”

Evil represents all that is morally wrong, harmful, and contrary to God’s perfect nature. According to James 1:13, “No one who is tempted should ever say, ‘I am being tempted by God.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.” Evil stems from the rebellious actions of created beings—whether angelic or human—rather than from God’s own character.

Yet Scripture attests to God’s rule over every event. Isaiah 45:7 states, “I form light and create darkness; I bring prosperity and create calamity; I, the LORD, do all these things.” This can be understood to mean that God will sometimes allow or orchestrate events that involve suffering or calamity in order to bring about a greater spiritual outcome or to accomplish His just judgments.

God’s Sovereignty over All Things

Throughout Scripture, God is represented as the ultimate authority over creation. Psalm 103:19 affirms, “The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.” This kingship does not make God the author of sin, but it does show that nothing happens—good or evil—without His sovereign allowance or plan.

This belief is echoed in numerous biblical passages, upheld by ancient manuscripts, including those among the Dead Sea Scrolls, which confirm the textual integrity of Old Testament references to God’s sovereignty. Archaeological findings, such as the discovery of ancient Israelite ruins and Assyrian records correlating with biblical events (e.g., the fall of Samaria or Nineveh), further show the historical context in which God’s sovereign directives played out among nations.

Biblical Examples of God Using Evil for Good

1. Joseph’s Trials (Genesis 37–50)

Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph ultimately rose to a position of influence in Egypt, enabling him to save many lives during a severe famine. Reflecting on the cruelty of his brothers, Joseph concludes in Genesis 50:20, “As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.” Although the betrayal was evil, God permitted and used it to preserve His chosen people and the lineage leading to the Messiah.

2. The Pharaoh of the Exodus (Exodus 1–14)

Scripture describes God hardening Pharaoh’s heart at times and Pharaoh hardening his own heart at others (Exodus 9:12, 9:34). This repeated resistance to releasing the Israelites ultimately showcased God’s power in freeing them through miraculous events, cementing His reputation before Israel and the surrounding nations. Romans 9:17 summarizes, “For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: ‘I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.’”

3. The Crucifixion of Christ (Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19)

The betrayal by Judas, the unjust trials, and the crucifixion itself were acts of genuine evil. Yet they were part of a divine plan to bring salvation to humanity. Acts 2:23 indicates this dual reality: “He was handed over by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.” The very worst act—killing the sinless Son of God—brought about the greatest possible good: atonement for sins and resurrection hope.

Balancing God’s Holiness and Sovereignty

God is perfectly holy (Isaiah 6:3) and cannot do moral wrong. When Scripture refers to God “using” or “creating” calamity, it points to His governing authority rather than moral culpability. He allows human and spiritual agents to exercise free choices, even exemplifying sin and rebellion, and then weaves those choices into His perfect plan. This interplay of divine sovereignty and human freedom emerges as a consistent theme in the biblical text, reliably preserved across Hebrew and Greek manuscripts alike.

Human Responsibility and Moral Agency

Although God can sovereignly use human wickedness for His good ends, the perpetrators remain accountable for their actions. Jesus emphasizes this in Luke 22:22: “Indeed, the Son of Man will go as it has been determined, but woe to that man who betrays Him!” God’s foreknowledge and plan do not lessen personal responsibility; rather, they show how God’s infinite wisdom can incorporate even sinful choices for ultimate good and His glory.

God’s Justice and Ultimate Goodness

Over the span of biblical history (which many trace through a relatively young-earth timeline based on genealogies and recorded ancestries), God’s just responses to evil demonstrate His desire to purge sin and restore goodness. The Flood in Genesis (chapters 6–9) was a drastic response to rampant wickedness. The destruction of cities like Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) served to halt profound moral corruption. Each instance underscores that God directs judgment and even calamity for the sake of righteousness.

Theological and Practical Implications

• Comfort in Trials: Recognizing God’s sovereign power over evil can offer believers confidence that their sufferings are not random, and that good can ultimately emerge from hardship (Romans 8:28).

• Hope for Redemption: The resurrection of Christ, documented in multiple eyewitness accounts (1 Corinthians 15), stands as the centerpiece of hope. Although evil played a role in crucifying Him, it achieved God’s plan of redemption, proving that even the darkest event can serve a greater good.

• Cultivation of Trust in God: Understanding God’s character as utterly holy and just fosters trust and reverence. God may permit evil, but He is never overcome by it (John 16:33), and He guarantees eventual restoration (Revelation 21:4).

• Call to Repentance: Realizing that God can work through even the darkest of human actions underscores the urgency to repent and align with His will. Those who cling to evil remain culpable, while those who turn to Him find grace and forgiveness.

Conclusion

From Joseph’s story to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, Scripture demonstrates how God can use evil to fulfill His righteous purposes. Though He Himself is untouched by moral corruption, He reigns over every circumstance. His plan weaves human freedom and even rebellion into a tapestry that reflects His holiness, mercy, and power. Jeremiah 29:11 captures the heart of God’s intentions: “For I know the plans I have for you… plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.” Though evil persists in the present age, it does not thwart His eternal designs. Instead, He consistently redeems and restores, showing Himself to be sovereign, just, and good.