Conversion, from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God, is a huge change: from aliens to citizens; from enemies to allies. Before conversion, everybody is outside of God's kingdom, opposed to it in thinking and actions, and personally rebellious against the sovereignty of God. After conversion, born-again believers are welcomed because they are reconciled to God, and are counted as holy, sinless and blameless. The change is only possible through Christ's personal sacrifice of His physical body - accepting the punishment due to all who have rebelled against God.