Some have criticized the Book of Mormon because Book of Mormon prophets use the term "Christ" before the birth of the Savior. The word "Christ" is the Greek form of the Hebrew word for Messiah and means literally "the anointed one." As the critics point out, this word was not used in the Old Testament. Some of the Old Testament terms for Christ are Shiloh (Gen 49:10), Prophet (Deut 18:15), Holy One of Israel (Ps 16:10), King (Ps 24:10, Zech 9:9), Immanuel (Isa 7:14), Redeemer (Isa 59:20), Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6), righteous Branch (Jer 23:5, Zech 3:8), and Messiah (Dan 9:26).
Jacob helps us understand this apparent "anachronism." He explains that the angel of the Lord told him what his name should be, for in the last night the angel spake unto me that this should be his name (2 Nephi 10:3). So it was with Benjamin, also. An angel had appeared to him and given him the name by which the Messiah should be known. Hence, we see why the Book of Mormon prophets speak so plainly about the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ. Their writings and prophecies were inspired by direct revelation and the Spirit of God.