What term was used to describe those who believed that grace preceded repentance during the Marrow Controversy?

The term "Marrow men" refers to those who believed that grace precedes repentance during the Marrow Controversy. This controversy arose in the 18th century within the Church of Scotland and centered on the issue of how to understand the relationship between God's grace and human actions, particularly repentance and faith.

The Marrow men advocated the idea that God's grace is the initiating force in the process of salvation, meaning that it is God's unmerited favor that enables individuals to turn to Him in repentance. This viewpoint was rooted in a theological perspective that emphasized the sovereignty of grace, contrasting with those who held a more legalistic view that focused on human efforts and moral compliance as prerequisites for receiving grace.

Understanding this terminology in the historical context of the Marrow Controversy is essential for grasping the debates on salvation and the nature of divine grace in Reformed theology. The Marrow men argued against the more rigid interpretations of the gospel that suggested an individual must demonstrate repentance or good works before being eligible for grace, thus reshaping the conversation about the nature of God's love and forgiveness.