The search criteria provided by God for identifying modern-day Israel are rooted in the promises made to the patriarch Abraham, as recorded in Genesis. These promises serve as markers to pinpoint the real people of Israel today. God promised Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 that He would multiply his descendants and grant them control over strategic military and commercial positions, referred to as gates, in their enemies' territories, highlighting a geopolitical advantage for Abraham's lineage. Additionally, God swore by Himself, giving this promise the weight of an oath, and reiterated that Abraham's seed would be a blessing to all nations. These promises were restated to Abraham's son, Isaac, in Genesis 26:3-5, and to his grandson, Jacob, in Genesis 35:11-12, affirming the same commitments of land, a multitude of descendants spreading in all directions, and the blessing to all nations through their seed. The blessings were not only tied to their posterity or future events but also to actions Jacob himself was to undertake. These divine assurances, along with time-specific search criteria yet to be explored, are essential for identifying the location and identity of modern-day Israel.

The Jews felt that Palestine was their inheritance. They had fought wars to gain and maintain possession of it, believing they had a right to be there. Stephen's speech in Acts 7 challenges this notion by emphasizing that God's activity and purpose are not confined to the land of Israel. He argues that God worked with Abraham without giving him the land, showing that the inheritance was promised but not necessary for God to work with His people. Stephen further illustrates that even the patriarchs, like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, did not need to be buried in the land to fulfill God's purpose. He stresses that the Jews should adopt a pilgrim mentality, understanding that their spiritual development should not be hindered by attachment to the land. Stephen's point is that God's plan is universal and not limited to any specific location, including the land of Israel.

The land was considered an inheritance for Israel. They had been expelled from it and resolved never to lose it again. However, Stephen emphasized that the land, while a gift from God, should not be the focus of their relationship with Him. He pointed out that many deliverers God raised up were from outside the land, illustrating that the land was not central to salvation. Stephen stressed that the true inheritance is in the Kingdom of God, encompassing the whole earth and everything God created, as believers are fellow heirs with Christ. This understanding requires a pilgrim mentality, not focusing on any specific earthly territory.