What does 2 Corinthians 5:16 mean?

Christ's death, which paid for the sin of all who believe in Him, resulted in a drastic change. Paul insists we look at every single person from a different and often-difficult perspective. Instead of looking at the outer appearance, the important question that must be answered about each person is spiritual. While every person is valuable, and worthwhile, their value is not found in physical things or worldly wealth. Nor can it be judged by shallow appearances. And, their greatest "need" is not for physical things, but for reconciliation with their Creator, through Christ.

Paul came to this understanding when he came to faith in Christ. He once thought of Christ only from a human perspective. Before his conversion, Paul viewed Christ as a mere man and His death as a just punishment for heresy. After his conversion, Paul came to know Christ as the Son of God and the substitute for human sin that he has described in the previous verses.

The understanding that everyone can be forgiven from sin and transformed through faith in Christ has changed how Paul regards every other person on earth. His primary concern, now, is whether another person is in Christ or still in their sin? Are they reconciled to God through faith in Jesus or not? As shown in the following verses, this is not about Paul deeming people "good" or "bad" on account of their faith. Rather, it reflects his deep desire to see people saved through faith.