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Sculptor Spirit: Models of Sanctification from Spirit Christology
The Holy Spirit is sculpting you.
Like the work of an artist who molds a lump of clay into its intended shape, the Spirit's sanctifying work lies in shaping people into the image of Christ.
Avoiding either a "Spirit-only" or a "Spirit-void" theology, Leopoldo Sánchez carefully crafts a Spirit Christology, which considers the role of God's Spirit in the life and mission of Jesus. This understanding then serves as the foundation to articulate five distinct models of sanctification that can help Christians discern how the Spirit is at work in our lives.
Like the work of an artist who molds a lump of clay into its intended shape, the Spirit's sanctifying work lies in shaping people into the image of Christ.
Avoiding either a "Spirit-only" or a "Spirit-void" theology, Leopoldo Sánchez carefully crafts a Spirit Christology, which considers the role of God's Spirit in the life and mission of Jesus. This understanding then serves as the foundation to articulate five distinct models of sanctification that can help Christians discern how the Spirit is at work in our lives.
- GenresTheologyChristianity
290 pages, Paperback
Published February 5, 2019
About the author
Leopoldo A. Sánchez M.
15 books10 followersLeopoldo (Leo) Sánchez is Professor of Systematic Theology, and the Werner R.H. and Elizabeth R. Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Leo was born in Concepción, Chile and raised in Panama City, Republic of Panama. In 2016, he received a prestigious Louisville Institute Sabbatical Grant for Researchers. He has served as a speaker and colloquy participant for events of the Wabash Center For Teaching and Learning Theology and Religion. As a doctoral student, he was the recipient of a 3-year grant from the Hispanic Theological Initiative of the Pew Charitable Trusts. Dr. Sánchez has been teaching systematic theology at Concordia Seminary since 2004 and was appointed Director of its Center for Hispanic Studies (CHS) in 2006. Main interests are in pneumatology (doctrine of the Holy Spirit), Spirit Christology, Trinitarian theology, sanctification, and issues related to Hispanic/Latino theology and missions (e.g., immigration, poverty and marginality). He is an avid student of music and principal double-bass player with the St. Louis Civic Orchestra.
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March 18, 2019
Summary: Starting from a "Spirit Christology," explores five models by which the Spirit shapes our lives in the likeness of Christ.
For many of us, this work will break ground in two ways. The first is that it will introduce us to the idea of "Spirit Christology." In the author's words:
"A Spirit Christology focuses on the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit in the life and the mission of Jesus. It asks what the identity of Jesus as the receiver, bearer, and giver of God's Spirit contributes to our theological reflection and Christian living."
For Sanchez, this does not replace, but rather complement a "logos Christology," which focuses on the meaning and nature of the Incarnation, of God become man, the Word become flesh, fully human and fully divine. Rather, to observe what it means for Jesus to live, die, and be raised in the fullness of the Spirit sheds valuable light on how we might be formed in Christ.
This brings us to the second way this book breaks ground. Sanchez proposes five models for the Holy Spirit's work of sanctifying us, or "sculpting" us in Christ's image. Each complements the others and is an aspect of this sculpting work. The five models are:
1. Renewal: The recurring dying and being raised to new life as we return to the cross in daily repentance toward God, reconciliation toward others, and embrace of our new identity in Christ.
2. Dramatic: This is the model of standing firm when faced with spiritual attacks through dependence upon the Spirit who intercedes for us in prayer and empowers the ministry of the Word and the affirmation of our baptism as a "little exorcism."
3. Sacrificial: Attention here is focused on the life of serving with excellence in our callings and sharing through "happy exchanges" of mutual care where we each give what we have and receive what we need in partnerships.
4. Hospitality: Following the example of Jesus' hospitality, the practice of welcoming strangers and the marginalized, participating in the Spirit's work of calling people from the margins.
5. Devotional: The worship of God through Spirit-given rhythms of work, play, and rest.
In elaborating these models, Sanchez considers pictures of the Spirit's work in the life of Jesus and elsewhere in scripture, catechetical models drawing upon the early fathers who wrote about the Holy Spirit (Irenaeus of Lyon, Cyril of Jerusalem, Athanasius of Alexandria, Didymus the Blind, Ambrose of Milan, and St. John Chrysostom). As a Lutheran theologian, he also draws on the theology of Martin Luther, making a case that Luther had a theology of sanctification, as well as one of justification. In his treatment of these theologians, he identifies catechetical images for each model from their writings.
One of the highlights of this work was to view this discussion through the eyes of a Hispanic theologian and church leader. This was most evident for me in the chapter on hospitality, or welcoming the stranger. For example, he writes of the bittersweet and painful experience of mestizaje, the forced coming together of races in the Spanish conquest and colonization of the New World. Despite the violence and even death, under the cross, a new people was created--mestizo people, yes--but also revealing the church catholic--not monocultural or monolinguistic--accepted without shame at the foot of the cross.
Sanchez concludes this work by sketching how these five models help us tell the story of Jesus in the world--how Jesus came filled with and bearing the Spirit, and how the Spirit meets us and forms us in Christ. An appendix offers a chart that summarizes the five models and his elaboration of them and an extensive bibliography is provided.
It has been encouraging in recent years to see the growth in Trinitarian theology. This book is an important contribution in exploring the intimate relationship of Jesus, the Spirit, and the believer. It moves away from inordinate focus on the Spirit or the silence of a binatarian theology. It offers a well-rounded vision of the work of the Spirit in forming us to be like Christ.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
For many of us, this work will break ground in two ways. The first is that it will introduce us to the idea of "Spirit Christology." In the author's words:
"A Spirit Christology focuses on the presence and activity of the Holy Spirit in the life and the mission of Jesus. It asks what the identity of Jesus as the receiver, bearer, and giver of God's Spirit contributes to our theological reflection and Christian living."
For Sanchez, this does not replace, but rather complement a "logos Christology," which focuses on the meaning and nature of the Incarnation, of God become man, the Word become flesh, fully human and fully divine. Rather, to observe what it means for Jesus to live, die, and be raised in the fullness of the Spirit sheds valuable light on how we might be formed in Christ.
This brings us to the second way this book breaks ground. Sanchez proposes five models for the Holy Spirit's work of sanctifying us, or "sculpting" us in Christ's image. Each complements the others and is an aspect of this sculpting work. The five models are:
1. Renewal: The recurring dying and being raised to new life as we return to the cross in daily repentance toward God, reconciliation toward others, and embrace of our new identity in Christ.
2. Dramatic: This is the model of standing firm when faced with spiritual attacks through dependence upon the Spirit who intercedes for us in prayer and empowers the ministry of the Word and the affirmation of our baptism as a "little exorcism."
3. Sacrificial: Attention here is focused on the life of serving with excellence in our callings and sharing through "happy exchanges" of mutual care where we each give what we have and receive what we need in partnerships.
4. Hospitality: Following the example of Jesus' hospitality, the practice of welcoming strangers and the marginalized, participating in the Spirit's work of calling people from the margins.
5. Devotional: The worship of God through Spirit-given rhythms of work, play, and rest.
In elaborating these models, Sanchez considers pictures of the Spirit's work in the life of Jesus and elsewhere in scripture, catechetical models drawing upon the early fathers who wrote about the Holy Spirit (Irenaeus of Lyon, Cyril of Jerusalem, Athanasius of Alexandria, Didymus the Blind, Ambrose of Milan, and St. John Chrysostom). As a Lutheran theologian, he also draws on the theology of Martin Luther, making a case that Luther had a theology of sanctification, as well as one of justification. In his treatment of these theologians, he identifies catechetical images for each model from their writings.
One of the highlights of this work was to view this discussion through the eyes of a Hispanic theologian and church leader. This was most evident for me in the chapter on hospitality, or welcoming the stranger. For example, he writes of the bittersweet and painful experience of mestizaje, the forced coming together of races in the Spanish conquest and colonization of the New World. Despite the violence and even death, under the cross, a new people was created--mestizo people, yes--but also revealing the church catholic--not monocultural or monolinguistic--accepted without shame at the foot of the cross.
Sanchez concludes this work by sketching how these five models help us tell the story of Jesus in the world--how Jesus came filled with and bearing the Spirit, and how the Spirit meets us and forms us in Christ. An appendix offers a chart that summarizes the five models and his elaboration of them and an extensive bibliography is provided.
It has been encouraging in recent years to see the growth in Trinitarian theology. This book is an important contribution in exploring the intimate relationship of Jesus, the Spirit, and the believer. It moves away from inordinate focus on the Spirit or the silence of a binatarian theology. It offers a well-rounded vision of the work of the Spirit in forming us to be like Christ.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
September 11, 2025
A scholarly, but rich framework for understanding the sanctified life of a Christian. His models are: Renewal, Dramatic, Sacrificial, Hospitality, and Devotional. The first few chapters feel very formal and are difficult to get through. But by the last two chapters the writing becomes looser, and I think those parts are the best.
I've often been disappointed by my inability to find deep theology books that explain who the Spirit is, and how the Spirit works. And I think that's simply because the Spirit is a silent partner in the Trinity: He is always pointing toward, and moving us toward, Christ--Christ's identity and work.
In the same way here, Sanchez paints pictures of what a sanctified life looks like. But he doesn't really explain how the Spirit gets us there--who he is and what his powers are. So this book is more about the sanctified life, not the Sanctifier himself.
References these books:
--Christian Spirituality: Five Views of Sanctification
--Living by Faith: Justification and Sanctification (Lutheran Quarterly Books
--The Genius of Luther's Theology: A Wittenberg Way of Thinking for the Contemporary Church
--Luther on Vocation
--When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor...and Yourself
--Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help
--Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers
I've often been disappointed by my inability to find deep theology books that explain who the Spirit is, and how the Spirit works. And I think that's simply because the Spirit is a silent partner in the Trinity: He is always pointing toward, and moving us toward, Christ--Christ's identity and work.
In the same way here, Sanchez paints pictures of what a sanctified life looks like. But he doesn't really explain how the Spirit gets us there--who he is and what his powers are. So this book is more about the sanctified life, not the Sanctifier himself.
References these books:
--Christian Spirituality: Five Views of Sanctification
--Living by Faith: Justification and Sanctification (Lutheran Quarterly Books
--The Genius of Luther's Theology: A Wittenberg Way of Thinking for the Contemporary Church
--Luther on Vocation
--When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor...and Yourself
--Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help
--Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers
February 23, 2019
In my "area of influence" (2 Corinthians 10.15) and among my fellow Reformed compadres, talk of the Holy Spirit is unfortunately limited and infrequent. I have tried to remedy this lack in my own preaching and teaching. Therefore I was excited to receive the 290 page softback "Spirit Sculptor: Models of Sanctification from Spirit Christology" penned by Leopoldo A. Sánchez M., the Werner R. H. and Elizabeth R. Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, professor of systematic theology and director of the Center for Hispanic Studies. Dr. Sanchez writes for thoughtful readers, ministers, church leaders, seminary students and professors. This irenic work draws from fourth-century pastors and theologians, Martin Luther, as well as his own lived experience. The author rightly sees that all "Spirit talk must embrace its organic christological and ecclesial trajectories" (xv).
The main thrust of the work is to "argue that a Spirit Christology, which focuses on the role of God's Spirit in Jesus' life and ministry, serves as a constructive framework for articulating a models-based approach to sanctification that can assist" Christian leaders "in discerning and addressing some of the main spiritual concerns of various North American groups" (2). The five models of Spirit-produced sanctification Sanchez addresses are renewal, dramatic, sacrificial, hospitality and devotional. As the author acknowledges toward the end of the book, these models of Spirit-produced sanctification "do not merely comprise interesting metaphors about the spiritual life but intend to give us a window into divine realities grounded in God's ways of working in the world in and through Christ by the Spirit" and "reveal an economy of life in the Spirit that shapes hearers of God's story into spiritual persons" which is "nothing less than human participation by the grace of adoption into the life of Christ for the sake of the world" (229). His way of crafting these models and their lived-out activities was insightful, as well as sensitive to various North American ethnic groups and denominational bodies.
I appreciated "Sculptor Spirit" for many reasons, of which I will only mention two. First, Sanchez is not afraid to interact with early church theologians and pastors, but sees them as a valuable part of the conversation, along with Luther. This drawing from the past to speak into the present, for the sake of the future, is healthy and hygienic. Second, as the author unpacks the sacrificial model in the chapter "Sharing Life Together" he turns to the ways we can robustly but gracious engage with our neighbors, especially those who are poor. He maps out the dangers of having a romantic view as well as utilitarian, but then he looks into ways we can move from generosity to partnership (140-143). Here he rightly notes that those who want to help will ask their neighbors what they need, what they can contribute, identify personal skills and community resources of those being helped, foster problem-solving through local participation by stakeholders, and nurture interdependent relationships. He lists several other insightful aspects that show Jesus' model of not coming to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom (Mark 10.45). The reason this section sticks out to me is as my congregation and I serve among Native Americans in Southwestern Oklahoma, the author articulates what is our approach: an approach that self-consciously moves away from a paternalistic Messiah-complex, to partnering with God's children among Kiowas, Apaches, Delawares, Caddos and others. Sanchez states it beautifully!
In the end "Spirit Sculptor" is what it wants to be, a helpful read! Not only is it clearly academic in all the right ways, but it leads the reader to think through ways the Spirit's involvement in their life, individually and ecclesiastically, manifests itself. This volume would make a great gift for your pastor or favorite seminary student. But it will also benefit the purchaser to obtain a copy for themselves and to read with open eyes and an open heart. I highly and happily recommend the book.
My thanks to IVP Academic for sending me a copy of the book at my request, and allowing me to review it. They asked nothing more than an honest review, which I have freely given. And my thanks to the author for investing time and sweat in pulling together this material.
The main thrust of the work is to "argue that a Spirit Christology, which focuses on the role of God's Spirit in Jesus' life and ministry, serves as a constructive framework for articulating a models-based approach to sanctification that can assist" Christian leaders "in discerning and addressing some of the main spiritual concerns of various North American groups" (2). The five models of Spirit-produced sanctification Sanchez addresses are renewal, dramatic, sacrificial, hospitality and devotional. As the author acknowledges toward the end of the book, these models of Spirit-produced sanctification "do not merely comprise interesting metaphors about the spiritual life but intend to give us a window into divine realities grounded in God's ways of working in the world in and through Christ by the Spirit" and "reveal an economy of life in the Spirit that shapes hearers of God's story into spiritual persons" which is "nothing less than human participation by the grace of adoption into the life of Christ for the sake of the world" (229). His way of crafting these models and their lived-out activities was insightful, as well as sensitive to various North American ethnic groups and denominational bodies.
I appreciated "Sculptor Spirit" for many reasons, of which I will only mention two. First, Sanchez is not afraid to interact with early church theologians and pastors, but sees them as a valuable part of the conversation, along with Luther. This drawing from the past to speak into the present, for the sake of the future, is healthy and hygienic. Second, as the author unpacks the sacrificial model in the chapter "Sharing Life Together" he turns to the ways we can robustly but gracious engage with our neighbors, especially those who are poor. He maps out the dangers of having a romantic view as well as utilitarian, but then he looks into ways we can move from generosity to partnership (140-143). Here he rightly notes that those who want to help will ask their neighbors what they need, what they can contribute, identify personal skills and community resources of those being helped, foster problem-solving through local participation by stakeholders, and nurture interdependent relationships. He lists several other insightful aspects that show Jesus' model of not coming to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom (Mark 10.45). The reason this section sticks out to me is as my congregation and I serve among Native Americans in Southwestern Oklahoma, the author articulates what is our approach: an approach that self-consciously moves away from a paternalistic Messiah-complex, to partnering with God's children among Kiowas, Apaches, Delawares, Caddos and others. Sanchez states it beautifully!
In the end "Spirit Sculptor" is what it wants to be, a helpful read! Not only is it clearly academic in all the right ways, but it leads the reader to think through ways the Spirit's involvement in their life, individually and ecclesiastically, manifests itself. This volume would make a great gift for your pastor or favorite seminary student. But it will also benefit the purchaser to obtain a copy for themselves and to read with open eyes and an open heart. I highly and happily recommend the book.
My thanks to IVP Academic for sending me a copy of the book at my request, and allowing me to review it. They asked nothing more than an honest review, which I have freely given. And my thanks to the author for investing time and sweat in pulling together this material.
February 6, 2019
Dr. Leo Sánchez in his dissertation-turned-book "Receiver, Bearer, and Giver of God's Spirit: Jesus’ Life in the Spirit as a Lens for Theology and Life" made a substantial contribution in the field of Spirit Christology through focusing on how the Holy Spirit relates to Jesus in his life. In "Sculptor Spirit," Sánchez now has shown how Spirit Christology can illuminate the relationship between the Spirit and the church in connection with the theme of sanctification. Dr. Sánchez in the book demonstrates a tremendous ability to summarize and analyze theologically the viewpoints of various theologians from both the past and the present. This can be seen in the first chapter where Sánchez locates his own proposal among the literature on Spirit Christology and the sanctified life. After completing this chapter, the reader not only knows how Sánchez’s proposal is unique, one has also been given an organized and detailed map of the topic of sanctification and to a certain extent pneumatology itself. This reader felt like he not only knew the lay of the land but also understood many of the basic arguments of the field and was equipped with the resources needed for further study. In the second chapter Sánchez mines the work of Irenaeus and various fourth century theologians for some of their highest thoughts on his topic. Again the reader senses that Sánchez is well acquainted with the literature and uniquely capable of helping one understand some of the deepest thoughts of these theologians in a remarkably simple way. The next five chapters are the heart of the book and provide five models for understanding the sanctified life. What I especially found fascinating here were the comparisons and contrasts evident for each model as the insights of the various early church fathers were juxtaposed both with each other and with the Reformation voice of Martin Luther. Here readers test out the models for themselves, considering both how the models relate to one another and how the various thoughts from the Scriptures and the church fathers fit into the categories. I found myself seeing various connections as Sánchez led the journey. But I also found myself juxtaposing the various voices with my own context and work. For example, Sánchez’s work seemed to have various points of contact with Jesus’ work as a prophet, priest, and king as well how these three offices are related to sanctification. In the final chapter, Sánchez begins by providing a map of North American spirituality. Again one senses that Sánchez understands the field and has boiled down a complex situation to a few of its most important themes. Furthermore, Sánchez helps the reader to better view the scene by providing comparisons with some key views on spirituality from the European and Global South contexts. This helps the reader to better consider how the five models of sanctification apply to a North American context and provides a broader base to help the reader generate ideas on how to better foster the growth of God’s kingdom growth in North America. Finally, Sánchez’s numerous personal stories in this chapter provide very concrete examples of some of the results and potential of his proposal. Just as Sánchez seems very comfortable exploring and explaining the thought of theologians ancient and modern, he seems at home in and highly capable of teaching about multiple cultures, whether it be the Global South of his roots, the North America of his residence, or the European context that his Lutheran denomination is rooted in. In my opinion, this book is a must-read for those interested in sanctification or the Holy Spirit generally.
February 8, 2019
In Sculptor Spirit, Dr. Leo Sanchez has done it once again, providing the reader with an excellent work of Trinitarian theology that emphasizes the need for a Spirit Christology that is intimately connected to the everyday life of the disciple of Jesus Christ.
In this work, Dr. Sanchez provides a theological framework for articulating a models-based approach to sanctification specifically in regard to how the Spirit forms Christ in persons. The working assumption behind Sanchez’s models-based approach is that there is no homogeneous way to describe holiness. Instead, sanctification stands as a rich, complex, multi-dimensional reality that Christians experience differently at various points in time, depending on the spiritual struggles they are going through in life and their spiritual needs and hopes.
Thus, each model (renewal, dramatic, sacrificial, hospitality, and devotional) seeks to address particular real issues in everyday life such as the need for identity, reconciliation, security, purpose, community, belonging, and balance. Given their permeability and flexibility, these models can accommodate many types of experiences. Such dynamic co-mingling or interweaving among models reflects the complexity and richness of the spiritual life itself.
Therefore, Sculptor Spirit is also a beautiful work of theology that focuses in on the aesthetic aspect of spiritual formation. This is evident in Dr. Sanchez’s description of the Holy Spirit’s work: “Like a sculptor who molds a mass into its desired shape, the Spirit’s sanctifying work lies in shaping Christ’s image in persons.” Thus, Dr. Sanchez utilizes his models aesthetically—leading the reader when thinking of “the Spirit’s shaping of a Christlike pattern in our lives,” to imagine “a decorative quilt displaying an array of shapes, colors, and lines that, though distinct from each other, intersect at various points to make the whole artifact a wonderful work of art.”
If you have been searching for a guide to lead you into an exploration of the sanctified life that is image-rich, story-driven, and moves to the relational rhythm of God’s own heartbeat as He walks with his people, then you will want to read Sculptor Spirit by Dr. Leo Sanchez.
In this work, Dr. Sanchez provides a theological framework for articulating a models-based approach to sanctification specifically in regard to how the Spirit forms Christ in persons. The working assumption behind Sanchez’s models-based approach is that there is no homogeneous way to describe holiness. Instead, sanctification stands as a rich, complex, multi-dimensional reality that Christians experience differently at various points in time, depending on the spiritual struggles they are going through in life and their spiritual needs and hopes.
Thus, each model (renewal, dramatic, sacrificial, hospitality, and devotional) seeks to address particular real issues in everyday life such as the need for identity, reconciliation, security, purpose, community, belonging, and balance. Given their permeability and flexibility, these models can accommodate many types of experiences. Such dynamic co-mingling or interweaving among models reflects the complexity and richness of the spiritual life itself.
Therefore, Sculptor Spirit is also a beautiful work of theology that focuses in on the aesthetic aspect of spiritual formation. This is evident in Dr. Sanchez’s description of the Holy Spirit’s work: “Like a sculptor who molds a mass into its desired shape, the Spirit’s sanctifying work lies in shaping Christ’s image in persons.” Thus, Dr. Sanchez utilizes his models aesthetically—leading the reader when thinking of “the Spirit’s shaping of a Christlike pattern in our lives,” to imagine “a decorative quilt displaying an array of shapes, colors, and lines that, though distinct from each other, intersect at various points to make the whole artifact a wonderful work of art.”
If you have been searching for a guide to lead you into an exploration of the sanctified life that is image-rich, story-driven, and moves to the relational rhythm of God’s own heartbeat as He walks with his people, then you will want to read Sculptor Spirit by Dr. Leo Sanchez.
February 6, 2019
This book happily surprised me with how much I loved it. I must admit that I’m not well-versed in pneumatic studies or in patristics and that I initially had to think a little more about the technological theological terms and debates that helped establish the need for such a book. Nevertheless, once I got past the initial introductory material and into the chapters on models of life in the Spirit, I was completely drawn in.
The question driving Sanchez’s writing is what we can learn about the shape of the Spirit-empowered life from looking at the life of Jesus, which is life in the Spirit of God, in other words, from examining at Spirit Christology. He suggests five models of sanctification (renewal, dramatic, sacrificial, hospitality, and devotional); investigates each in terms of its images within the Bible, the patristic writers, and Martin Luther; and delineates some of the implications of each.
As someone who has attended a Pentecostal seminary, as well as a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod one, I deeply appreciated the pictures of sanctification and of Spirit Christology that emerged from Sanchez’s study. My own devotional life was enhanced by reading this book, as I considered not only how the Holy Spirit could provide me a coherent framework to describe my spiritual journey, but also how a proper understanding of the Spirit leads to me to certain spiritual disciplines and practices that will help cruci-form me.
Sculptor Spirit is one of those books that has plenty of scholarly meat but still makes a strong connection between that theory and practice, and I highly recommend it to any theologian. If you’re interested in sanctification, Sanchez’s five models will provide a fantastic framework for further thought and investigation. And, if you’re not interested in sanctification, this book will convince you that you, as a Christian, ought to be!
The question driving Sanchez’s writing is what we can learn about the shape of the Spirit-empowered life from looking at the life of Jesus, which is life in the Spirit of God, in other words, from examining at Spirit Christology. He suggests five models of sanctification (renewal, dramatic, sacrificial, hospitality, and devotional); investigates each in terms of its images within the Bible, the patristic writers, and Martin Luther; and delineates some of the implications of each.
As someone who has attended a Pentecostal seminary, as well as a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod one, I deeply appreciated the pictures of sanctification and of Spirit Christology that emerged from Sanchez’s study. My own devotional life was enhanced by reading this book, as I considered not only how the Holy Spirit could provide me a coherent framework to describe my spiritual journey, but also how a proper understanding of the Spirit leads to me to certain spiritual disciplines and practices that will help cruci-form me.
Sculptor Spirit is one of those books that has plenty of scholarly meat but still makes a strong connection between that theory and practice, and I highly recommend it to any theologian. If you’re interested in sanctification, Sanchez’s five models will provide a fantastic framework for further thought and investigation. And, if you’re not interested in sanctification, this book will convince you that you, as a Christian, ought to be!
February 10, 2019
Far from the feeble “christianized” self-help genre of literature we’ve come to expect for believers seeking to unite their faith in Jesus with a life lived like Jesus, Sanchéz gives us five full-bodied images of what the Spirit is already doing on our behalf to sculpt us into the shape of Christ.
Drawing on fourth century Church fathers whose dedication and study of the scriptures helped the church of all ages to comprehend the the work of the Father though Christ in the Spirit, this book navigates waters rife with the chaos of ancient heresy, and like the Spirit on the first day of creation hovers above those waters giving form and clarity to life.
While the models of sanctification in chapters three through seven are accessible enough for the casual read of a lay believer to prove a blessing, other chapters—such as the first—offer academic surveys of contemporary currents in Spirit-Christology that will intellectually engage even the professional theologian. Sanchéz expects and invites the reader to pick and choose chapters of interest. It need not be ready straight through. There is something in this work for every disciple of Jesus. Personally, I appreciated that in reading this book each chapter brought me back into conversation with the likes of Ambrose, Cyril of Jerusalem, Basil the Great, Irenaeus, and other faithful in the church triumphant, whose voices are a wake up call to the word and work of Christ and his Spirit in me, in my family, and the community of believers of which I am a part. Thank you Leopoldo.
Drawing on fourth century Church fathers whose dedication and study of the scriptures helped the church of all ages to comprehend the the work of the Father though Christ in the Spirit, this book navigates waters rife with the chaos of ancient heresy, and like the Spirit on the first day of creation hovers above those waters giving form and clarity to life.
While the models of sanctification in chapters three through seven are accessible enough for the casual read of a lay believer to prove a blessing, other chapters—such as the first—offer academic surveys of contemporary currents in Spirit-Christology that will intellectually engage even the professional theologian. Sanchéz expects and invites the reader to pick and choose chapters of interest. It need not be ready straight through. There is something in this work for every disciple of Jesus. Personally, I appreciated that in reading this book each chapter brought me back into conversation with the likes of Ambrose, Cyril of Jerusalem, Basil the Great, Irenaeus, and other faithful in the church triumphant, whose voices are a wake up call to the word and work of Christ and his Spirit in me, in my family, and the community of believers of which I am a part. Thank you Leopoldo.
February 10, 2019
Leopoldo Sanchez uses Sculptor Spirit to take his work on Spirit Christology, or Jesus as the proper bearer of the Holy Spirit in His incarnation, baptism, death, and resurrection, and, who then gives the same Holy Spirit to believers to shape, or “sculpt” the Christian to be more Christlike in character and in reality, a more practical application. By rooting sanctification in five models, Sanchez leads us through ways in which the Spirit worked through the human nature of Christ and then works in the Christian life in a similar way, like in the renewal model where the Spirit baptizes the Christian into the death and resurrection in Christ, which leads the Christian into the cycle of daily dying to sin and rising to new life through confession and forgiveness. Sanchez does not come up with these on his own, but rather lays the groundwork for these five models of renewal, dramatic, sacrificial, hospitality, and devotion in the theological and catechetical writings of not only Fourth Century Church Fathers in the East but also in the writings of Sixteenth-Century Reformer, Martin Luther. Sanchez finishes by relating several real-life accounts in which one or more of these models of sanctification through the lens of Spirit Christology may be helpful in addressing not only the hurting and yearning from within the Church, but also many of those from without, and in a way that does not neglect the fullness of the Trinity, not the divinity of the God-man Jesus Christ, but rather strengthens it.
February 28, 2019
I do wish I could give this book 4.75 stars, but I will round up to five. To be fair, the author is very clear it is written to an academic crowd, or at least certain parts of it are. That is o.k., it is good to be stretched a bit when reading. In this book the author outlines five "models of sanctification", or to my laymen's mind...how the Holy Spirit works in us and through us to God's kingdom. It's a heavy subject, and dealt with well through the author's discussion of the five models. The book, in it's most practical application, shows how we can connect with those around us in kingdom building, regardless of our setting. Again, this is bringing the book down to it's most basic level, I believe. The scholarship in the book is well founded in many references to academic research and to work done by Luther and other church fathers. An excellent book, well worth the time and effort required to read and study it.
February 14, 2019
In Sculptor Spirit, Rev. Dr. Leopoldo Sanchez reminds us that God loved us so much that He was willing to share all of Himself with us.
As Leo explored his five models as an approach to the sanctified life, I was struck by his constant reminder that it is the same Spirit Who lived in Christ that also lives in us!
This solidarity allows us to live in union with Him and then to be able to share this union of love with our neighbors. We cannot live without His reconciliation, we cannot love our neighbors without His constant work of shaping and molding us for His perfect purposes.
Thank you, Leo for opening your heart and mind to what the Sculpting Spirit would have you know so that you would then be able to write to us about what He would have us know about Himself.
Eustolio Gomez
As Leo explored his five models as an approach to the sanctified life, I was struck by his constant reminder that it is the same Spirit Who lived in Christ that also lives in us!
This solidarity allows us to live in union with Him and then to be able to share this union of love with our neighbors. We cannot live without His reconciliation, we cannot love our neighbors without His constant work of shaping and molding us for His perfect purposes.
Thank you, Leo for opening your heart and mind to what the Sculpting Spirit would have you know so that you would then be able to write to us about what He would have us know about Himself.
Eustolio Gomez
February 5, 2019
Growing up in the faith, what I was looking for was how to apply what I was learning. If this Jesus stuff was real, how did that impact my every day life? I was wrestling with the relationship between justification and sanctification. This book provides the vocabulary for how to speak about the sanctified life that the younger version of myself had been seeking but couldn’t find. Dr. Sanchez, thank you for providing a theologically-rich yet intentionally practical framework on an elusive topic: the Holy Spirit.
January 7, 2023
This book was my first foray into studying Spirit Christology, and Leo did a great job of taking that field of study and applying it to a variety of aspects of the Christian life.
There are very few books that I think 'I need to read this again,' but this is one of them. It was rich and deep and my mind is still processing all the information.
If you're interested in reading this book, take the author's advice to read the chapters out of order, only the most disciplined readers will slog through chapter 2. Chapters 3 and following, however, are absolute gold.
There are very few books that I think 'I need to read this again,' but this is one of them. It was rich and deep and my mind is still processing all the information.
If you're interested in reading this book, take the author's advice to read the chapters out of order, only the most disciplined readers will slog through chapter 2. Chapters 3 and following, however, are absolute gold.
April 6, 2022
Wonderful book. Sanchez impresses here with his ability to both convey complex concepts from academic and historic sources while still managing to communicate to his audience in an engaging, easy to read way. His work in revealing the Holy Spirit throughout the work of Christ and in the work of salvation is powerful. Certainly recommended for those looking for a meaty study on the Spirit in all things.
February 5, 2019
Dr. Sanchez has dedicated much work & effort in creating, “Sculptor Spirit.” If you are interested in pondering on how the Spirit was at work in Christ’s earthly life, how the early church fathers spoke of the Spirit, & on hearing practical thoughts, stories, and insights for how the Spirit is working in believers today, you may perhaps really enjoy this book.
April 29, 2019
Man, this book is good. A terrific overview of various schools of thought re: how the Spirit works to sanctify us. Sanchez finds the good in these philosophies and synthesizes a beautiful, vital theory of what, how, when and why the Spirit works. A real gift to anyone seeking to understand the relationship between the Spirit and life of the believer.
September 5, 2019
It’s rare for me to learn so much out of one book. There was hardly anything in this book I didn’t already know, or hadn’t already learned, or heard about. But Dr. Sanchez shakes it all up. Twists it all about. Puts it in a new format I’ve never thought about. Very well done. My whole view of sanctification is been shifted.
January 5, 2025
I love how Dr. Sanchez gives us a language, rooted in Scripture and the early church fathers, to talk life in the Spirit. I will be thinking about his models of sanctification as I work with our church's young adults. If I can identify which model(s) they are living in and mirror the language to them, I can help them voice their own faith journey.
The more I learn about the Holy Spirit, the more I realize we struggle to articulate who He is and what He is doing in our lives. I see it in my own language. We excel in talking about Jesus' death, but struggle with talking about the resurrection, new creation, and life in the Spirit. This book is one I will reread to keep the Scripture's language of the Spirit in the forefront of my mind.
Thank you, Dr. Sanchez, for writing this book!
The more I learn about the Holy Spirit, the more I realize we struggle to articulate who He is and what He is doing in our lives. I see it in my own language. We excel in talking about Jesus' death, but struggle with talking about the resurrection, new creation, and life in the Spirit. This book is one I will reread to keep the Scripture's language of the Spirit in the forefront of my mind.
Thank you, Dr. Sanchez, for writing this book!
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