Paul wrote that “death reigned from Adam to Moses” (Rom.5:14). That was about 2500 years.

During this period of history it was demonstrated that “death passed upon all men.” This was not because the Law of Moses had condemned them to death, but rather simply because they were the offspring of fallen Adam. It was by Adam that all mankind has received the Adam’s Sin-infection that Paul calls the Sin as a depraved by nature. Entirely apart from the Law, “sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (Jas.1:15). Thus “death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had NOT sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression.”

Also within that 2,500 years was 1,500 years under the Mosaic Law, still “sin… reigned unto death” (Rom.5:20-21).

Then Sin had surely risen to its height Jesus’ day and during Paul’s early years. Christ had been crucified and even after His resurrection His enemies still stood by that awful deed. Israel had joined the Gentiles in declaring war on God and His anointed Son (Psa.2:1-3), and Saul of Tarsus was the leader of the revolt. It was no longer merely a matter of sin; it was now rebellion against the “Son of God” who had been manifested in flesh as the “Son of man” - rebellion by the very people to whom He had come.

Since Paul, and for nearly 2000 years, “grace (has) reigned, through righteousness, unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom.5:21).

Thus we are now living under the reign of grace. Just as “DEATH REIGNED from Adam to Moses” (Rom.5:14); as SIN REIGNED “unto death” after “the Law entered” (Vers.20, 21), so now grace abounds, THAT GRACE MIGHT REIGN “through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” (Vers.20-21).

In the not too distant future, for 1,000 years the Lord Jesus Christ will reign upon this earth (Rev.20:1-6), as King over Israel and the nations.

The kingdom will then be delivered over to the Father (1Cor.15:24-28).

Then, for all eternity the Father, Son and Holy Spirit will reign in the person of Christ (Rom.11:36; Eph.1:10).

Do not misunderstand, from Adam to the present day God has always been “on the throne,” but rather than ruling directly, He has overruled in the affairs of men. While He has permitted men to go their wicked ways and reap what they’ve sown. He has intertwined a just way of salvation through all ages… for all men who will trust Him.