What is the meaning of Baptism?

Regarding Baptism, Jesus instituted it as the ordinance of initiation into discipleship. Anyone who wishes to publicly confess and accept Jesus Christ as his/her Savior and Lord and declare that he/she is disciple of Jesus Christ partakes of baptism. There are these two ordinances: baptism and Lord's supper.

Baptism means:
1. According to Romans 6. Identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When one goes under water, it shows he/she is dead to his/her old life of sin. When one comes out of water, it shows a new life in Jesus Christ.
2. According to Matthew 28:19ff. Initiation into discipleship. "making disciples.. baptising them.."
3. According to Mark 16:16. It goes along with faith in Jesus Christ. All who believe in Him take water baptism.

Baptism entails:
1. Obedience to Faith
2. Obedience to Counsel of God (Luke 7:30)

Mode of Baptism:
Immersion in water. Symbolizes death, burial, and resurrection.
The word "baptizo" in Greek itself means washing by immersion.

Formula:
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Recepient:
All who believe (anyone who can believe can be baptised). But, baptism before belief is not baptism (for example, an infant doesn't know what belief is or baptism is)