Even without direct laws to violate, mankind continued in sin and death from Adam to Moses. All mankind died in Adam our head, who is a type of Christ our head and representative in righteousness.

Mankind's original sin was in Adam. In Adam all mankind became sinful. Also in Adam, all mankind became guilty.

In God's timing, Christ died for sinners to justify and reconcile us to God. With this having been accomplished, we have greater assurance that we will be saved from the wrath of God at the judgment.

Biblical story of earth, millions of years, or thousands.

Christians have joy. We rejoice in the hope of God's glory in us. We rejoice even in our sufferings knowing they work a good work in us. Finally we are joyful because our hope does not leave us ashamed, it leaves us with the Holy Spirit!