Is there any historical support for spiritual baptism? : Comparing and analyzing the theological views of Cappadocian fathers and the Pentecostals on spiritual baptism

Abstract

Through this paper, it will be established that, unlike the Pentecostals, the Cappadocian fathers did not separate water baptism from Spirit baptism as two distinctive stages. The theological implication for contemporary Evangelical Christians is that, since they have generally not experienced Spirit baptism, the existing Pentecostal view might lead them to doubt their faith or view God as loving Pentecostals more than Evangelicals, as He seems to allow them to experience Him more. The Cappadocian fathers and the Assemblies of God are representative groups for which to investigate this topic, as both groups have addressed the topic of the Holy Spirit extensively.