Our Core Beliefs

Urbana Seminary is an interdenominational ​graduate school of theology.  We seek to be thoroughly Christ-centered and well-grounded on the strong foundation of God’s revealed Word, the Bible.  God invites us to Himself and into His family through Jesus’ death on a cross and subsequent resurrection.  Our desire is that this good news be understood, laid hold of, and spread to everyone. 

There is one God, eternally existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – all-knowing, all-powerful, and present everywhere. God’s character is one of perfect holiness, justice and love. He is the world’s creator, sustainer, and ruler.

Jesus Christ is God the Son, fully divine and fully human. He was conceived by the virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose bodily from the dead. He is the Messiah anticipated in the Old Testament and brings the fulfillment of all God’s promises. Christ is the only way to salvation. Now He has been exalted to the throne of heaven. He will personally return to the earth to fully establish His rule and kingdom.

The Holy Spirit is fully divine. He calls people to a relationship with the Father and reveals and glorifies Christ. The Spirit indwells every believer as a teacher, guide, and advocate. He empowers believers for service to God and the church, as well as to reach the world.

The Bible is the Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, teaching truth in all that it affirms. The Bible reveals God’s plan of salvation.

People were created by God in God’s image and are deeply valued and loved by God. Humans have sinned and, as a result, are eternally separated from God. God graciously invites each individual to enter a covenant relationship with Him through personal faith in Christ as Savior. Salvation is therefore through Christ alone. God calls the believer to pursue a holy life, as well as delight in and serve God. When Christ returns the believer will be raised from the dead and spend eternity in God’s presence.

The church is comprised of those from all the ages who have saving faith in Jesus Christ. God has entrusted the church on earth, manifested in local congregations, with the joy of worshiping him and edifying its members. He calls believers to the task of teaching and maintaining the truth, witnessing and service to the world, making disciples of all nations, and enjoying His presence as He dwells among them.