**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today! Let’s start with a powerful statement you made in your letter: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Can you elaborate on what you mean by this transformation?
**Author (Paul):** Absolutely, it’s a core message I wanted to convey. When I say “if anyone is in Christ,” I’m highlighting the profound change that occurs when someone truly embraces their faith. This isn’t just a surface-level adjustment; it’s a fundamental transformation at the core of one’s being.
**Interviewer:** So, what exactly does it mean to be a “new creation”?
**Author (Paul):** Being a new creation means that all the past—the guilt, the mistakes, the identity you once held—those things no longer define you. When you accept Christ, there’s a radical renewal. It’s like shedding an old skin and stepping into a fresh life filled with purpose and hope. It’s an invitation to grow and be transformed into something beautiful.
**Interviewer:** You mention that “the old has passed away.” How should people interpret this idea in their daily lives?
**Author (Paul):** It’s crucial to understand that while the past can shape us, it doesn’t have to bind us. The idea is to let go of old habits, relationships, and mindsets that lead us away from the life God intends for us. This passage encourages believers to look forward, to embrace the new identity they have in Christ—one that is marked by love, grace, and the potential for a life filled with purpose.
**Interviewer:** And you conclude with, “behold, the new has come.” What’s the significance of that perspective?
**Author (Paul):** “Behold” is a call to notice, to recognize the shift that has taken place. It’s not just about internal change but also about how that change manifests outwardly. When people look at someone who is in Christ, they should see evidence of this transformation in their kindness, actions, and how they interact with the world. It’s a fresh start, a celebration of what God is doing in and through us.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Paul, for sharing your insights. Your words continue to resonate deeply with so many people today!
**Author (Paul):** It’s my pleasure! It’s a joy to share the message of hope and renewal that we have in Christ.