This statement is one meant for the Jewish nation, their lot in life has been one of survival. From the day they crucified Jesus and said his blood be on our hands and our children's, they have been running and trying to survive. But with the return of Jesus Christ at the Second Coming God's plan for them was renewed and all they had lived for was being fulfilled.
If they survived the time of tribulation they would be truly God's chosen. Survived not in the sense of life but in faith. If they could keep their faith and the law which they were given, then they would indeed inherit the earth and become what they were destined to be, a chosen priestly hood by whom the human race would prosper.