Baptism vs. Confirmation — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 22, 2023
Baptism is a Christian sacrament of initiation, typically involving water, to welcome a person into the Christian faith. Confirmation is another Christian sacrament that strengthens and confirms the promises made at baptism.
Difference Between Baptism and Confirmation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Baptism is commonly considered the first sacrament in Christian traditions and is a rite of initiation into the Christian community. Confirmation, on the other hand, is usually a later sacrament that builds upon the vows made at baptism, affirming one's commitment to their faith.
Baptism usually involves the use of water—either through immersion, pouring, or sprinkling—as a symbol of purification and regeneration. Confirmation, however, often includes the laying on of hands by a bishop or priest as a symbol of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
In many Christian denominations, baptism is performed on infants, whereas confirmation typically occurs in adolescence or adulthood when the individual can make a conscious decision to commit to their faith.
Baptism is generally administered by a variety of clergy including priests, pastors, and sometimes even laypersons in certain circumstances. Confirmation, however, is often more formalized, and in many denominations, it is administered only by a bishop.
Theologically, baptism is often viewed as necessary for salvation and the remission of sins. Confirmation is seen as a deepening of baptismal gifts and is often associated with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for service and witness.
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Comparison Chart
Stage in Life
Usually Infancy
Adolescence/Adult
Symbol
Water
Laying on of Hands
Administered By
Varied Clergy
Often a Bishop
Theological Significance
Initiation, Salvation
Empowerment, Affirmation
Timing
First Sacrament
Later Sacrament
Compare with Definitions
Baptism
Administered by clergy.
The priest performed the baptism.
Confirmation
Sacrament with laying on of hands.
The bishop laid hands during the confirmation.
Baptism
Seen as necessary for salvation.
Baptism is the gateway to eternal life.
Confirmation
Deepens baptismal gifts.
Confirmation enriches the gifts received at baptism.
Baptism
A sacrament involving water.
Water is essential for the baptism ceremony.
Confirmation
In Christian denominations that practice infant baptism, confirmation is seen as the sealing of the covenant created in baptism. Those being confirmed are known as confirmands.
Baptism
Christian rite of initiation.
Her baptism was held at the local church.
Confirmation
The act of confirming.
Baptism
Symbolizes purification.
Baptism is seen as a new beginning.
Confirmation
Something that confirms; verification.
Baptism
Baptism (from the Greek noun βάπτισμα báptisma) is a Christian rite of admission and adoption, almost invariably with the use of water, into Christianity. It may be performed by sprinkling or pouring water on the head, or by immersing in water either partially or completely.
Confirmation
A Christian rite admitting a baptized person to full membership in a church.
Baptism
A religious rite considered a sacrament by most Christian groups, marked by the symbolic application of water to the head or immersion of the body into water and resulting in admission of the recipient into the community of Christians.
Confirmation
A ceremony in Judaism that marks the completion of a young person's religious training.
Baptism
A ceremony in certain religious or nonreligious traditions in which one is initiated, purified, or given a name.
Confirmation
An official indicator that things will happen as planned.
We will send you a written confirmation of your hotel booking.
Baptism
An initiatory experience, act, or effort
"two brilliant young graduate students whose work for this committee amounted to a baptism in defense policy" (James Carroll).
Confirmation
A verification that something is true or has happened.
The announcement in the newspaper was a confirmation of my suspicions.
Baptism
A Christian sacrament, by which one is received into a church and sometimes given a name, generally involving the candidate to be anointed with or submerged in water.
Confirmation
A ceremony of sealing and conscious acknowledgement of the faith in many Christian churches, typically around the ages of 14 to 18; considered a sacrament in some churches, including Catholicism, but not in most Protestant churches.
Baptism
A similar ceremony of initiation, purification or naming.
Confirmation
The act of confirming or strengthening; the act of establishing, ratifying, or sanctioning; as, the confirmation of an appointment.
Their blood is shedIn confirmation of the noblest claim.
Baptism
The act of baptizing; the application of water to a person, as a sacrament or religious ceremony, by which he is initiated into the visible church of Christ. This is performed by immersion, sprinkling, or pouring.
Confirmation
That which confirms; that which gives new strength or assurance; as to a statement or belief; additional evidence; proof; convincing testimony.
Trifles light as airAre to the jealous confirmations strongAs proofs of holy writ.
Baptism
A Christian sacrament signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth;
Most churches baptize infants but some insist on adult baptism
Confirmation
A rite supplemental to baptism, by which a person is admitted, through the laying on of the hands of a bishop, to the full privileges of the church, as in the Roman Catholic, the Episcopal Church, etc.
This ordinance is called confirmation, because they who duly receive it are confirmed or strengthened for the fulfillment of their Christian duties, by the grace therein bestowed upon them.
Confirmation
A conveyance by which a voidable estate is made sure and not voidable, or by which a particular estate is increased; a contract, express or implied, by which a person makes that firm and binding which was before voidable.
Confirmation
Additional proof that something that was believed (some fact or hypothesis or theory) is correct;
Fossils provided further confirmation of the evolutionary theory
Confirmation
Information that confirms or verifies
Confirmation
Making something valid by formally ratifying or confirming it;
The ratification of the treaty
Confirmation of the appointment
Confirmation
A ceremony held in the synagogue (usually at Pentecost) to admit as adult members of the Jewish community young men and women who have successfully completed a course of study in Judaism
Confirmation
A sacrament admitting a baptized person to full participation in the church
Confirmation
Affirmation of Christian faith.
His confirmation strengthened his relationship with God.
Confirmation
Usually in adolescence or adulthood.
She had her confirmation at 14.
Confirmation
Administered by higher clergy.
Only a bishop can administer confirmation in their denomination.
Common Curiosities
What is Baptism?
A Christian sacrament of initiation involving water.
Is water used in both?
Water is used in Baptism, while the laying on of hands is common in Confirmation.
Who can administer Confirmation?
Often a bishop, depending on the denomination.
Can adults be baptized?
Yes, adult baptism is common in some denominations.
What symbols are associated with Confirmation?
The laying on of hands, symbolizing the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
What is Confirmation?
A Christian sacrament that affirms and strengthens the promises made at baptism.
How do they differ?
Baptism is an initiation, often in infancy, while Confirmation is an affirmation usually in adolescence or adulthood.
Is Baptism always the first sacrament?
Typically, yes, it is considered the gateway sacrament.
Who can administer Baptism?
Various clergy, sometimes even laypersons in emergency situations.
Is Baptism seen as necessary for salvation?
In many Christian traditions, yes.
What is the theological significance of Confirmation?
It's seen as a deepening of baptismal gifts and empowerment by the Holy Spirit.
Can children receive Confirmation?
It varies by denomination but is generally reserved for older adolescents or adults.
What symbols are associated with Baptism?
Water, which symbolizes purification and regeneration.
Can you be confirmed without being baptized?
Generally, no; Baptism is usually a prerequisite for Confirmation.
Do all Christian denominations practice both?
Most do, although the understanding and significance can vary between denominations.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
