Most Assuredly ~ Yes
The idea that God can bring good from evil is a recurring theme in religious thought.
Joseph, told his brothers, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." [Genesis 50:20; KJV]
God will sometimes orchestrate calamitous events in order to bring about a greater spiritual outcome or to accomplish His just judgments.
The Old Testament says so 👇
And so does the New
This does not make God the author of sin, but it does show that nothing happens without His sovereign allowance or plan.
This belief is echoed in numerous biblical passages but perhaps best expressed by a pagan king —
“And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” [Daniel 4:34–35; KJV]
The betrayal by Judas, the unjust trials of Our Lord and the crucifixion itself were acts of genuine evil. Yet they were part of a divine plan to bring salvation to humanity. The Bible points out this dual reality:
“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:” [Acts 2:23; KJV]
The very worst act-killing the sinless Son of God-brought about the greatest possible good: atonement for sins and resurrection hope.
Perhaps I ought to clarify a little bit more. As the scripture points out God is perfectly holy (ref Isaiah 6:3). Sin only seems trivial to us when God’s holiness seems trite. God is an all-consuming fire who dwells in unapproachable light - “Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” [1 Timothy 6:16]
When Scripture refers to God “using” or “creating” calamity, it points to His governing authority rather than moral culpability.
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