It was purposed.
Was the crucifixion evil?
It was certainly meant to be by those who performed it, however, I believe that it was not evil, it was the epitomy of Good.
Were those who crucified Him responsible for their evil action?
No. That is the one sin that no one will ever be charged with. Jesus said "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." Hence that sin was not charged to anyone, hence only God is responsible.
Was the crucifixion an evil action on God's part?
Other than Jesus, who himself purposed to be crucified for "good", who was "harmed" by it? No one! Thus it cannot be said that the crucifixion was in any way an "evil" act. That's why its called "Good Friday." (although there is a strong body of evidence for it happening on Thursday)
I'm talking about the painful and horrific deaths of children around the world who die in bombings, fires, floods, who starve to death, who linger with cancer. Does God actually "purpose" those calamities, or does God merely allow those to occur inasmuch as his "purpose" is "ultimately" achieved?
Whose cruel idea was it for the word "lisp" to have an "s" in it? -- Steven Wright
Was the crucufuxion purposed or merely allowed?
Was the crucifixion evil?
Were those who crucified Him responsible for their evil action?
Was the crucifixion an evil action on God's part?
I think you make it all to hard. God has already given the answer in the example of Joseph, and a wonderful type of Christ:
Gen. 50:17-20 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him. And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants. And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? 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.
So there you have it. God allows men to have their own evil thoughts and to make their own evil choices, and uses them all to His good purpose. Calvinists will apprecaite the fact it was the very men who had the evil thoughts and made the evil choices he chose to save. That certainly makes it entirely of grace, doesn't it?
Hank