It is interesting that in addressing and warning the Nephites, Samuel uses a rather lengthy title for the Lord: "Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning" (Helaman 14:12). This title appears only one other time in the Book of Mormon, in Mosiah 3:8. Remarkably, that verse is in the middle of King Benjamin's words concerning what was made known unto him by an angel from God concerning the coming of Christ. Readers should take time here to review chapter 3 of Mosiah, for Samuel the Lamanite might be trying to get the people to remember that prophecy, and also the covenants that were made by the people at that time. [Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes]
“Jesus Christ the Creator of All Things from the Beginning”
According to John Welch, the distinctive name spoken by the angel to King Benjamin identified the coming Messiah as "Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and of earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning" (Mosiah 3:8). Significantly, these exact words were used by Samuel the Lamanite at the center of his prophetic judgment speech, given from the walls of the city of Zarahemla . . . 116 years after Benjamin's speech. Samuel declared that his intent was to preach "that ye might know of the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and of earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning," and believe on his name (Helaman 14:12). Although Samuel did not mention the name of Benjamin . . . this formulaic use of words from Benjamin's speech provides strong evidence that these sacred words, introduced by Benjamin into the Nephite religious idiom, probably became standard confessional language among the believing generation that succeeded him. . . . On hearing these most sacred words repeated by Samuel, some of the Nephites in Zarahemla must have been struck to the core, recognizing them as the very words King Benjamin had spoken years before in the same city. [John W. Welch, "Benjamin, the Man: His Place in Nephite History," in King Benjamin's Speech: "That Ye May Learn Wisdom," p. 46]
Helaman 14:12 Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and of earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning (Illustration): Samuel's Quotation of Benjamin. [John W. Welch and J. Gregory Welch, Charting the Book of Mormon: Visual Aids for Personal Study and Teaching, F.A.R.M.S., Chart 105]