Rhetorical: The conceptual transition from verses 5-8 to verse 9 is difficult to define. Where most of Benjamin’s transitions have been purposeful and clear, this verse does not easily come as a conclusion to the previous material nor as an introduction to the next section (which, in itself, appears to return to verse 5). The reason for the difficulty in transition is that we have a shift from the clear discussion of Christ (the future, redemptive, Messiah) to an admonition to believe in God.
This transition makes the most sense when we recall that the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon contains language that more closely associates Christ and God than we would do in our modern theology. The probable Nephite association of the two has been discussed, but would appear to be evidenced by this transition that would appear to depend upon some association between Christ and God so that an admonition to believe God could flow from an admonition to have faith in Christ.
Nevertheless, there is a conceptual difference in the admonition to faith in God. There is a differing set of circumstances, and different set of items about which one must have faith. Even with a tighter correlation between the two, and absolute equation may not have been part of the Nephite theology.
Whatever the connection that allowed Benjamin to move from Christ to God, the transition is not clear, and does not readily lead into his next theme. Once again, this is an indication of orality.