Many people say that they believe in God. But ask who God is, and you will get different answers. To some, God is a harsh judge, bent on punishing people for their misdeeds. To others, he is always loving and forgiving, no matter what they do. Still others believe that God is far away and disinterested in us. Given such conflicting views, many may feel that it is simply impossible to know who God is.

Does it matter? Yes, it does. Knowing God better can add purpose and meaning to your life. (Acts 17:26-28) The closer you draw to God, the more he will love and help you. (James 4:8) Ultimately, having accurate knowledge of God can lead to unending life.​—John 17:3.

How can you come to know God? Think of someone you know well, such as a close friend. How did that friendship develop? Likely you got to know that person’s name, personality, likes and dislikes, as well as what he or she has done and plans to do, and more. This is what drew you to that person​—you learned about him or her.

Similarly, we can come to know God by considering the following:

• WHAT IS GOD’S NAME?

• WHAT IS HE LIKE?

• WHAT HAS GOD DONE?

• WHAT WILL HE DO?

• WHAT CAN KNOWING GOD MEAN FOR YOU?

This magazine is designed to provide Bible answers to those questions. The articles will help you learn not only who God is but also what is in store for you as you come into a personal relationship with him.

When trying to get to know someone, the first thing you would likely do is ask, “What is your name?” If you were to ask God that question, what would he say?

“I am Jehovah. That is my name.”​—Isaiah 42:8.

Is that name new to you? It may well be, because many translators of the Bible use God’s name sparingly, if at all. They often replace it with the title “LORD.” Yet, God’s name actually occurs some 7,000 times throughout the original-language text of the Bible. The name consists of four Hebrew consonants, corresponding to YHWH or JHVH, and has historically been rendered “Jehovah” in English.

God’s name appears throughout the Hebrew text and is found in many translations

The name matters to God himself. No one gave God his name; he chose it for himself. Jehovah declared: “This is my name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered from generation to generation.” (Exodus 3:15) In the Bible, God’s name occurs more often than any of his titles, such as Almighty, Father, Lord, or God, and more often than any other personal name, such as Abraham, Moses, David, or Jesus. What is more, it is Jehovah’s will that his name be known. The Bible states: “May people know that you, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.”​—Psalm 83:18.

The name matters to Jesus. In what has been called the Our Father or the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught his followers to petition God with the words: “Let your name be sanctified.” (Matthew 6:9) Jesus himself prayed to God: “Father, glorify your name.” (John 12:28) Jesus made glorifying God’s name a priority in his life, and for this reason he could say in prayer: “I have made your name known to them and will make it known.”​—John 17:26.

The name matters to those who know God. God’s people in the past understood that their protection and salvation were linked to God’s unique name. “The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous one runs and receives protection.” (Proverbs 18:10) “Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” (Joel 2:32) The Bible shows that God’s name would distinguish those who serve him. “For all the peoples will walk, each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of Jehovah our God forever and ever.”​—Micah 4:5; Acts 15:14.

The name uniquely identifies God. Many scholars conclude that the name Jehovah means “He Causes to Become.” Jehovah God gave insight into the meaning of his name when he referred to himself with these words spoken to Moses: “I Will Become What I Choose to Become.” (Exodus 3:14) God’s name thus conveys more than his role as the Creator who causes all things to come into existence. His name expresses his ability to cause himself as well as his creation to become whatever is needed to achieve his purpose. While titles may describe God’s position, authority, or power, it is only his name, Jehovah, that embodies all that he is and can become.

The name reveals God’s interest in us. The meaning of God’s name implies his ongoing attachment to his creation, which includes us. Moreover, the fact that God has made his name known indicates that he wants us to know him. After all, he took the initiative to tell us his name before we even knew to ask for it. Clearly, God wants us to view him, not as some vague and distant deity, but as a real Person we can draw close to.​—Psalm 73:28.

Using God’s name reveals our interest in him. To illustrate, you may ask someone you hope to befriend to call you by your given name. How would you feel if that person persistently refused to use your name? In time you would likely wonder whether that person really wanted to be close to you. So it goes with God. Jehovah has told mankind his name, and he encourages us to use it. When we do, we show Jehovah that we want to get close to him. Why, he even notices “those meditating on [or, “treasuring,” footnote] his name”!​—Malachi 3:16.

Learning God’s name is the vital first step in knowing him. But we must not stop there. We need to discover the Person behind the name. We need to learn what he is like.

The more we discern someone’s qualities, the better we know that person, and thus our friendship can deepen. Similarly, the more we come to know Jehovah’s qualities, the better we will know what he is like, and thus our friendship can deepen. Of all God’s wonderful attributes, four are outstanding: his power, wisdom, justice, and love.

“O Sovereign Lord Jehovah! Look! You made the heavens and the earth by your great power.”​—JEREMIAH 32:17.

Evidence of God’s power is seen in creation. For example, when you stand outside on a bright summer day, what do you feel on your skin? The warmth of the sun. Actually, you are feeling the results of Jehovah’s creative power. How powerful is the sun? At its core, its temperature is said to be about 27,000,000 degrees Fahrenheit (15,000,000°C). Every second, the sun emits energy equivalent to the explosion of many hundreds of millions of nuclear bombs.

Yet our sun is small compared to many of the untold trillions of stars in the universe. Scientists estimate that one of the largest stars, named UY Scuti, has a diameter about 1,700 times that of the sun. If UY Scuti replaced the sun, it would engulf the earth and extend beyond the orbit of the planet Jupiter. Perhaps that helps us to grasp more fully Jeremiah’s statement that Jehovah God made the heavens and the earth, that is, the universe, by his great power.

How do we benefit from God’s power? Our life depends on God’s physical creations, such as the sun and all the wonderful resources on earth. In addition, God uses his power to benefit humans in a personal way. How? In the first century, God granted power to Jesus to perform deeds that were truly miraculous. We read: “The blind are now seeing and the lame are walking, the lepers are being cleansed and the deaf are hearing, the dead are being raised up.” (Matthew 11:5) What about today? “He gives power to the tired one,” says the Bible, adding: “Those hoping in Jehovah will regain power.” (Isaiah 40:29, 31) God can supply “power beyond what is normal” to enable us to deal with or endure the hardships and trials of life. (2 Corinthians 4:7) Do you not feel drawn to a God who so lovingly uses his limitless power in our behalf?

“How many your works are, O Jehovah! You have made all of them in wisdom.”​—PSALM 104:24.

The more we learn about the things God has made, the more we find ourselves awed by his wisdom. In fact, there is a field of study called biomimetics, or biomimicry, in which scientists examine Jehovah’s creation and borrow elements of design found in nature to enhance their own designs. These range from a simple fastener to the design of airplanes.

God’s wisdom is seen nowhere more marvelously than in the human body. Consider, for example, the way a human baby develops. The process begins with one fertilized cell, which contains all the genetic instructions needed. That cell divides into many cells that look alike. But at just the right time, the cells begin to form differently, resulting in hundreds of distinct types, such as blood cells, nerve cells, and bone cells. Soon organ systems appear and start to function. In just nine months, that original cell develops into a complete infant made up of billions of cells. The wisdom seen in such design moves many to agree with the Bible writer who said: “I praise you because in an awe-inspiring way I am wonderfully made.”​—Psalm 139:14.

How do we benefit from God’s wisdom? The Creator knows what we need to be happy. Drawing from his vast knowledge and understanding, he provides wise counsel in his Word, the Bible. For example, it urges: “Continue . . . forgiving one another freely.” (Colossians 3:13) Is that wise counsel? Yes. Research has found that being forgiving can improve one’s sleep and lower one’s blood pressure. It may also reduce the risk of depression and other health issues. God is like a wise, caring friend who never ceases to give us helpful and beneficial advice. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) Would you not want to have such a friend?

“Jehovah loves justice.”​—PSALM 37:28.

God always does what is right. In fact, “it is unthinkable for the true God to act wickedly, for the Almighty to do wrong!” (Job 34:10) His judgments are upright, as the psalmist said when addressing Jehovah: “You will judge the peoples fairly.” (Psalm 67:4) Because “Jehovah sees into the heart,” he cannot be fooled by hypocrisy but is always able to perceive the truth and make accurate judgments. (1 Samuel 16:7) Furthermore, God is aware of every act of injustice and corruption on earth, and he has promised that soon “the wicked . . . will be cut off from the earth.”​—Proverbs 2:22.

However, God is not a harsh judge who is eager to punish. He shows mercy when appropriate. The Bible says: “Jehovah is merciful and compassionate,” even toward wicked ones if they sincerely repent. Is that not true justice?​—Psalm 103:8; 2 Peter 3:9.

How do we benefit from God’s justice? The apostle Peter stated: “God is not partial, but in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” (Acts 10:34, 35) We benefit from God’s justice because he never shows partiality or favoritism. We can be accepted by him and be his worshippers regardless of our race, nationality, education, or social standing.

Because God wants us to understand and benefit from his justice, he has provided us with a conscience. The Scriptures describe the conscience as a law ‘written in our hearts,’ which ‘bears witness’ as to whether our behavior is right or wrong. (Romans 2:15) How do we benefit? Properly trained, our conscience can motivate us to turn away from harmful or unjust actions. And if we do make a mistake, it can move us to repent and correct our course. Indeed, an understanding of God’s sense of justice helps us and draws us to him!

“God is love.”​—1 JOHN 4:8.

God displays power, wisdom, and justice, but the Bible does not say that God is power, wisdom, or justice. It says that he is love. Why? Because it can truthfully be said that God’s power enables him to act and his justice and wisdom guide the way he acts. But Jehovah’s love motivates him to act. Love influences everything that he does.

Although Jehovah did not lack anything, his love moved him to create intelligent beings, both heavenly and earthly, who can benefit from and enjoy his love and care. He unselfishly prepared the earth to be the ideal home for his human creation. And he continues to show love to all humans in that “he makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good and makes it rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous.”​—Matthew 5:45.

In addition, “Jehovah is very tender in affection and merciful.” (James 5:11) He expresses affection toward those who sincerely take steps to know and draw close to him. God sees such people as individuals. In fact, “he cares for you.”​—1 Peter 5:7.

How do we benefit from God’s love? We enjoy the beauty of a sunset. We delight to hear a baby’s laughter. We cherish the love of a close family member. These may not be essential things, but they enrich our life immeasurably.

We also benefit from another expression of God’s love: prayer. The Bible urges us: “Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God.” Like a loving father, he wants us to turn to him for help with our most intimate concerns. Then Jehovah, in his unselfish love, promises to provide “the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.”​—Philippians 4:6, 7.

Has this brief discussion of God’s principal attributes​—such as his power, wisdom, justice, and love—​helped you to get a better picture of what God is like? To further your appreciation of God, we invite you to learn what he has done and will yet do for your benefit.

If you want to get to know someone well, it is helpful if you learn what he has accomplished and the challenges he has overcome. Similarly, if you want to know God well, you need to learn what he has done. As you do, you may be surprised to discover how much of what he did in the past benefits us now and involves our future.

Jehovah God is the Grand Creator, and his “invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made.” (Romans 1:20) “He is the Maker of the earth by his power, the One who established the productive land by his wisdom and who stretched out the heavens by his understanding.” (Jeremiah 10:12) The wonders of creation also reveal God’s interest in us.

Consider how Jehovah enriched our life by creating humans “in his image.” (Genesis 1:27) That means he made it possible for us to reflect in a small way his incomparable qualities. He endowed us with spiritual capacity, or the ability to understand his views and values. As we endeavor to live by these, we enjoy greater happiness and meaning in life. More than that, he gave us the potential for building a relationship with him.

The earth testifies to how God feels about us. In the words of the apostle Paul, God “did not leave himself without witness in that he did good, giving [us] rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying [us] with food and filling [our] hearts with gladness.” (Acts 14:17) God supplied more than the mere necessities for our survival. He provided abundantly in quantity and variety so we could enjoy life. All of this is but a glimmer of what he intended for us.

Jehovah created the earth so that humans could live forever on it. The Bible states: “The earth he has given to the sons of men,” and he “did not create it simply for nothing, but formed it to be inhabited.” (Psalm 115:16; Isaiah 45:18) Inhabited by whom and for how long? “The righteous will possess the earth, and they will live forever on it.”​—Psalm 37:29.

Accordingly, Jehovah created the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, and settled them in an earthly paradise “to cultivate it and to take care of it.” (Genesis 2:8, 15) God gave them an exciting twofold assignment: “Be fruitful and become many, fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28) Thus Adam and Eve had before them the hope of enjoying unending life on earth. Sadly, they chose to disobey God and for that reason lost the prospect of being among “the righteous” who “will possess the earth.” However, as we will see, their actions have not changed Jehovah’s purpose for us or the earth. First, though, let us consider something else God has done.

The Bible is also known as God’s Word. Why did Jehovah provide the Bible for us? Primarily so that we can learn about him. (Proverbs 2:1-5) True, the Bible does not answer every question we might have about God​—no book ever could. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Yet everything that the Bible does contain helps us to know God. We see who he is by how he deals with people. We observe the sort of individuals he likes and dislikes. (Psalm 15:1-5) We learn his views on worship, morality, and material things. And the Bible gives us the most intimate portrait of Jehovah’s personality through the words and actions of his Son, Jesus Christ.​—John 14:9.

Another reason Jehovah provided his Word, the Bible, is so that we can know how to live a happy, purposeful life. Through the Bible, Jehovah tells us how to have a happy family, how to be content, and how to cope with anxiety. And as explained later in this magazine, the Bible contains the answers to life’s big questions, such as: Why is there so much suffering? What will the future hold? It also explains what God has done to see that his original purpose is fulfilled.

The Bible is truly a remarkable book​—a divine achievement—​in many other ways. It was written over a period of 1,600 years by some 40 men, yet it retains a central theme because God is its real Author. (2 Timothy 3:16) Unlike other ancient works, it has been accurately preserved down through the ages, as verified by thousands of ancient Bible manuscripts. What is more, the Bible has prevailed over efforts made to keep it from being translated, distributed, and read. Today it is the most widely distributed and translated book. The Bible’s existence is proof that “the word of our God endures forever.”​—Isaiah 40:8.

Yet another of God’s achievements is the special provision he made to guarantee his purpose for us. As mentioned earlier, God intended that humans live forever on earth. However, when Adam chose to disobey God and thereby sinned, he lost the opportunity for everlasting life not only for himself but also for his future children. “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Romans 5:12) Man’s disobedience thus challenged God’s purpose. How did Jehovah react?

Jehovah’s actions were consistent with his character. He justly held Adam and Eve accountable for their actions, but he lovingly made provisions for their future offspring. In his wisdom Jehovah determined how to deal with the challenge, and he immediately announced a solution. (Genesis 3:15) The way out from sin and death would be provided through God’s Son, Jesus Christ. What did that involve?

To redeem humans from the effects of Adam’s rebellion, Jehovah sent Jesus to the earth to teach people the way to life and to “give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.”a (Matthew 20:28; John 14:6) Jesus could provide the ransom because he was a perfect man like Adam. But unlike Adam, Jesus maintained perfect obedience, even to the point of death. Since Jesus did not deserve to die, Jehovah resurrected him back to heavenly life. Jesus could now do what Adam failed to do​—pass on to obedient humans the prospect of everlasting life. “For just as through the disobedience of the one man many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one person many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19) Through Jesus’ ransom sacrifice, God will fulfill his promise to have mankind live forever on earth.

We learn much about Jehovah from the way he dealt with the challenges posed by Adam’s disobedience. We see that nothing can prevent Jehovah from finishing what he started; his word will meet with “sure success.” (Isaiah 55:11) We also appreciate the magnitude of Jehovah’s love for us. “By this the love of God was revealed in our case, that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might gain life through him. The love is in this respect, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins.”​—1 John 4:9, 10.

God “did not even spare his own Son but handed him over for us all,” so we are assured that God will “kindly give us all other things” that he has promised. (Romans 8:32) What has God promised that he will do for us? Read on.

If you were in difficulty, you would no doubt expect a good friend to do something to help you. With that in mind, some say that God is not a friend because they feel God is not doing anything in their behalf. In reality, not only has God already done many things for our benefit but he will also take action to deal with all the problems and suffering we face today. What will God do?

God will end all wickedness by eliminating its source. The Bible identifies what that source is when it says: “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) That “wicked one” is none other than the one Jesus called “the ruler of this world,” Satan the Devil. (John 12:31) Satan’s influence on the world of mankind is the root cause of the distressing conditions on earth. What will God do?

Jehovah God will soon take action through his Son, Jesus Christ, to “bring to nothing the one having the means to cause death, that is, the Devil.” (Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8) In fact, the Bible shows that the Devil himself knows that “he has a short period of time” before his destruction. (Revelation 12:12) God will also do away with all who cause wickedness.​—Psalm 37:9; Proverbs 2:22.

After eliminating all wickedness from the earth, our Creator will take action to fulfill his eternal purpose regarding mankind and the earth. What can we look forward to?

Lasting peace and security. “The meek will possess the earth, and they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”​—Psalm 37:11.

Ample and wholesome food. “There will be an abundance of grain on the earth; on the top of the mountains it will overflow.”​—Psalm 72:16.

Suitable homes and satisfying work. “They will build houses and live in them, and they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. . . . The work of their hands my chosen ones will enjoy to the full.”​—Isaiah 65:21, 22.

Do you long to see such conditions? They will soon be an everyday experience for all.

Everyone is subject to sickness and death today, but that will not be the case much longer. God will soon apply the benefits of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice so that “everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) What will be the result?

Sickness will be eradicated. “No resident will say: ‘I am sick.’ The people dwelling in the land will be pardoned for their error.”​—Isaiah 33:24.

Death will no longer plague mankind. “He will swallow up death forever, and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces.”​—Isaiah 25:8.

People will live forever. “The gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.”​—Romans 6:23.

Those who have died will be brought back. “There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Acts 24:15) They will benefit from God’s gift of the ransom.

How will God accomplish all of this?

God will accomplish his purpose for mankind and the earth by means of a heavenly government, with Christ Jesus as the appointed Ruler. (Psalm 110:1, 2) It is the government, or kingdom, that Jesus taught his followers to pray for in these words: “Our Father in the heavens, . . . let your Kingdom come.”​—Matthew 6:9, 10.

God’s Kingdom will exercise authority over the earth and eliminate all woes and suffering from its realm. This Kingdom is the best government mankind could ever have! That is why Jesus exerted himself to declare “the good news of the Kingdom” during his earthly ministry and told his disciples to do the same.​—Matthew 4:23; 24:14.

Out of his great love for his human creation, Jehovah God has promised to do all these wonderful things for them. Does that not make you want to know him and draw close to him? What will your choosing to do so mean for you? The next article will explain.

Up to this point, we have taken progressive steps to find the answer to the question, Who is God? We began by seeing in the Bible that his name is Jehovah and that his dominant quality is love. We also considered what he has done and what he will yet do for the benefit of his human creation. Though there is much more to learn about God, you might wonder what doing so can mean for you.

Jehovah promises that “if you search for him, he will let himself be found by you.” (1 Chronicles 28:9) Imagine the precious gift that awaits you as you search and come to know God​—a “close friendship with Jehovah”! (Psalm 25:14) What can such a friendship mean for you?

Genuine happiness. Jehovah is described as “the happy God.” (1 Timothy 1:11) Becoming close to him and imitating his ways will bring you genuine happiness, which can benefit you emotionally, mentally, and physically. (Psalm 33:12) You will also be able to build a happy life​—by avoiding damaging lifestyles, cultivating healthful habits, and maintaining good relations with others. You will come to agree with what the psalmist said: “Drawing near to God is good for me.”​—Psalm 73:28.

Personal care and attention. Jehovah promised his servants: “I will give you advice with my eye upon you.” (Psalm 32:8) That means that Jehovah gives his servants personal attention and tailors his care to fit their individual needs. (Psalm 139:1, 2) Once you have developed a proper relationship with Jehovah, you will find that he is always there for you.

A grand future. In addition to offering you the key to a happy and satisfying life now, Jehovah God also opens to you a marvelous future. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) The Bible states: “This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3) In these turbulent times, the hope that God offers can act like an anchor that keeps us “sure and firm.”​—Hebrews 6:19.

These are but a few of the many important reasons to get to know God better and to develop a personal relationship with him. You are welcome to talk with any one of Jehovah’s Witnesses or visit jw.org for more helpful information.