As noted above (see commentary accompanying Helaman 13:27–28), the Nephites seem to have embraced Nehorism, including rejecting the Atoning Messiah. While they may have allowed for the Triumphant Messiah at the world’s end, they believed in universal salvation (Alma 1:4) and, hence, had no need for an Atoning Messiah. This is the context in which Samuel announces “the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and of the earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning.” This is the Nephite God, the Atoning Messiah, whom they have rejected.
Translation: “Jesus Christ” as name and title is anachronistic in this context, assuredly an artifact of translation. (See commentary accompanying 2 Nephi 25:19.) The Savior’s identity certainly appeared on the plates, but not in those literal words. Nephites might easily have had the name “Jesus,” just as they did “Mary.” However, “the Christ” is a Greek title (“the anointed one”), which would have been the Hebrew word “Messiah” in the Old Testament records. Using the two-part “Jesus Christ” as though it constituted a modern first and last name would also not have been present in the ancient text. The title, “Father of heaven and earth,” is unique to the Book of Mormon. (See commentary accompanying Mosiah 3:8.)