For 2500 years βdeath reigned from Adam to Mosesβ (Rom. 5:14).
During this period of history it was demonstrated that βdeath passed upon all men,β not because the Law of Moses had condemned them to death, but simply because they were the offspring of fallen Adam, and depraved by nature. Entirely apart from the Law, βsin, when it is finished, bringeth forth deathβ (Jas. 1:15). Thus βdeath reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had NOT sinned after the similitude of Adamβs transgression.β
For 1500 years, under the law, βsinβ¦ reigned unto deathβ (Rom. 5:20,21).
Sin had surely risen to its height during Paulβs early years. Christ had been crucified and even after His resurrection His enemies had 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.
For 2000 years, βgrace [has] reigned, through righteousness, unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lordβ (Rom. 5:21).
Thus we are now living under the reign of grace. As βDEATH REIGNED from Adam to Mosesβ (Rom. 5:14); as SIN REIGNED βunto deathβ after βthe Law enteredβ, so now grace abounds, THAT GRACE MIGHT REIGN βthrough righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lordβ (Rom. 5:20,21).
For 1000 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 (I Cor. 15:24-28).
For all eternity the Father, Son and Holy Spirit will reign in the person of Christ (Rom. 11:36; Eph. 1:10).
Note: From Adam to the present day God has always been βon the throneβ, but rather than ruling directly, has overruled in the affairs of men. source
