Answer: It depends on the type of Christian you ask.

Theological Traditions Included: Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Non-Calvinist Protestant, Calvinist Protestant, Progressive

Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions view baptism as a sacrament that confers saving grace, while Calvinist Protestants consider it a sacrament whose efficacy is not tied to the moment of administration.
Non-Calvinist Protestants generally view baptism as an ordinance and a symbolic act, while Progressive Christians have diverse views ranging from primarily symbolic to sacramental.
Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions teach that baptism is necessary for salvation, while Calvinist and Non-Calvinist Protestants emphasize salvation by grace through faith, with baptism serving as a response to or confirmation of saving grace.
Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Calvinist Protestant traditions practice infant baptism, while Non-Calvinist Protestants generally practice adult or believer's baptism. Progressive Christians may practice either, depending on their theological perspective.
All traditions affirm the significance of baptism in the Christian life, whether as a sacrament, an ordinance, or a symbolic act, though the specific understanding of its nature and efficacy varies among them.

I spent my whole life thinking baptism was one thing. Then I learned that most Christians who ever lived thought it was something else.

Justin Bailey – Creator of ChristianAnswers.ai

Quick Comparison

Tradition	Sacramental Nature	Relation to Salvation	Infant vs. Adult Baptism
Calvinist Protestant	Sacrament, but efficacy not tied to moment	Not necessary for salvation	Both infant and adult
Catholic	Sacrament that confers grace	Necessary for salvation	Infant baptism
Non-Calvinist Protestant	Ordinance, symbolic act	Response to saving grace	Adult/believer's baptism
Eastern Orthodox	Sacrament that imparts grace	Necessary for salvation	Infant baptism
Progressive	Diverse views, from symbolic to sacramental	Varied perspectives	Both infant and adult

Hear from Each Perspective

Ordered by number of adherents

John / Catholic

In Catholic theology, baptism is a sacrament that confers saving grace and marks the beginning of a person's life in Christ. It is not merely a symbol but an efficacious sign that brings about the spiritual reality it signifies. Through baptism, one is cleansed of original sin, incorporated into Christ and the Church, and made a participant in the divine life of the Trinity. The Catholic Church teaches that baptism is necessary for salvation, as it is the ordinary means established by Christ for the forgiveness of sins and entrance into the kingdom of God. However, the Church also acknowledges the possibility of salvation for those who, through no fault of their own, do not receive the sacrament of baptism but still respond to God's grace in their lives. The Church practices infant baptism, believing in the efficacy of the sacrament and the importance of incorporating children into the life of grace from the earliest possible moment.

Anthony / Eastern Orthodox

In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, baptism is far more than a mere symbol; it is a holy sacrament that imparts divine grace and marks the beginning of a person's life in Christ. Through baptism, one is mystically united with Christ's death and resurrection, receiving forgiveness of sins and entrance into the Church. It is not simply a declaration of faith but an actual participation in the saving work of Christ. The Orthodox Church practices infant baptism, believing that the faith of the community and the grace of God extend to the child. Baptism is seen as a necessary step in the process of salvation, although it is not considered sufficient in itself; it must be accompanied by a life of faith and participation in the sacramental life of the Church.

Caleb / Non-Calvinist Protestant

Baptism is an important ordinance instituted by Christ, serving as a public declaration of faith and identification with His death, burial, and resurrection. While it is a significant act of obedience and a symbol of spiritual cleansing, it is not a means of saving grace. The act of baptism itself does not confer salvation; rather, it is an outward sign of the inward transformation that has already taken place through faith in Christ. The emphasis is on the believer's conscious choice to follow Christ and the symbolic representation of their spiritual journey. Salvation is by grace through faith alone, and baptism is a response to that grace, not a prerequisite for it.

Nathan / Calvinist Protestant

Calvinist Protestants view baptism as a sacrament instituted by Christ, serving as a sign and seal of God's covenant of grace. It is not a mere symbol but a means of grace, whereby the Holy Spirit works to strengthen faith and confirm one's identity as a member of God's covenant community. However, the efficacy of baptism is not tied to the moment of administration; it is the Holy Spirit who sovereignly applies the benefits of Christ's redemptive work to the believer. Baptism does not confer salvation itself, as salvation is solely by God's grace through faith in Christ. Calvinists practice both infant and adult baptism, recognizing the continuity of God's covenant promises across generations while also affirming the need for personal faith and repentance.

Hannah / Progressive

Progressive Christians have diverse views on the nature of baptism. Some see it primarily as a symbolic act, representing a person's commitment to follow Christ and their inclusion in the Christian community. The emphasis is on the individual's choice and the public declaration of their faith. Others view baptism as a sacramental moment, where God's grace is present and active, though not necessarily in a mechanistic or ex opere operato sense. Progressives may also emphasize the social and communal aspects of baptism, seeing it as a rite of initiation into the body of Christ and a commitment to participate in God's mission of love, justice, and reconciliation in the world. The mode and timing of baptism are generally considered secondary to the meaning and significance of the act itself.

The Key Differences

1. Sacramental Nature of Baptism

Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions view baptism as a sacrament that confers saving grace and marks the beginning of a person's life in Christ.
Calvinist Protestants also consider baptism a sacrament, but the efficacy is not tied to the moment of administration; it is the Holy Spirit who sovereignly applies the benefits of Christ's redemptive work.
Non-Calvinist Protestants generally view baptism as an ordinance rather than a sacrament, emphasizing it as a symbolic act of obedience and public declaration of faith.
Progressive Christians have diverse views, with some seeing baptism primarily as a symbol and others viewing it as a sacramental moment where God's grace is present and active.

2. Baptism and Salvation

Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions teach that baptism is necessary for salvation, as it is the ordinary means established by Christ for the forgiveness of sins and entrance into the kingdom of God.
Calvinist Protestants affirm the importance of baptism but emphasize that salvation is solely by God's grace through faith in Christ, not through the act of baptism itself.
Non-Calvinist Protestants view baptism as a response to saving grace, not a prerequisite for it. Salvation is by grace through faith alone, and baptism is an outward sign of the inward transformation.
Progressive Christians have varied perspectives, with some emphasizing the symbolic nature of baptism and others acknowledging its sacramental significance while not necessarily tying it directly to salvation.

3. Infant vs. Adult Baptism

Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions practice infant baptism, believing in the efficacy of the sacrament and the importance of incorporating children into the life of grace from the earliest possible moment.
Calvinist Protestants practice both infant and adult baptism, recognizing the continuity of God's covenant promises across generations while also affirming the need for personal faith and repentance.
Non-Calvinist Protestants generally practice adult or believer's baptism, emphasizing the importance of conscious faith and the individual's choice to follow Christ.
Progressive Christians may practice either infant or adult baptism, depending on their theological perspective and denominational tradition.

Is baptism just a symbol?