Alma’s next question is a critical one for defining the essence of Helaman’s faith. He must believe in Jesus Christ “who shall come.” This belief in a future Atoning Messiah is the essential distinguishing belief of the Nephite religion.
Translation: Here as in other places, the term “Jesus Christ” as a designator is misleading, resulting from Joseph Smith’s understanding rather than the actual words on the plates. “Christ” is a title meaning the anointed one; “Messiah” is Hebrew for the “anointed one.” (See commentary accompanying 2 Nephi 25:19.)