It is well known that Christians, particularly the Evangelical Protestants (who make up only 12% of the world population), have an irritating and offensive trait of claiming their religion as the only valid or true way to God. To say that all other paths lead to an eternity of agony in the fire of hell seems a bit intolerant and narrow-minded. Here is a look at why they are convinced the doctrine of their faith is superior to all other paths. 

First, finding the true God in organized religion can be a problem.

Religion is a set of institutionalized systems of organized dogmatic beliefs, attitudes, and practices to achieve a spiritual goal. That spiritual goal should be to find, know, follow, and worship the true God. But regrettably, organized religion is often not concerned with that. Instead, it advances tenets and precepts that are often a product of man’s imagination. It is also unfortunate that many in organized religion have unholy objectives such as power, financial gain, or lustful pursuits, the typical desires of profane mankind, not the stuff of God.

Humanity generally has an instinctive need to know its creator and to find meaning in life. Still, people will believe and follow almost any persuasive voice, no matter how absurd the message. It is not uncommon to see, in varying degrees, corruption, and error camouflaged by intertwining falsehood with some element of truth. And it is in this mess of organized religion or pagan philosophies that man looks to find the truth about God or something about attaining happiness, prosperity, meaning, etc. Man is ripe to be harvested by purveyors of error and lies as he is quick to believe what appeals to him, and that is the nonsense they offer. The absolute truth of God may not be the message he is willing to hear. Man will then place his faith in what he has decided to be true, whether correct or not. If that placement is correct, he can find God; if his faith is in fables, he will live in vain.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. ^{2 Timothy 4:3-4}

Why are Christians sure their doctrine is the truth and the way to God?

Christians believe their doctrine is the truth because they accept what the Bible says. The belief that the Bible is the Word of God, directed to us, occurs through enlightenment by the Spirit of God; conviction of the veracity of the Bible is not by reason, intellect, or human wisdom but affected by the power of God to those chosen. Our conviction and faith deepen as we experience His power, comfort, blessings, and guidance over time. Ours is a living God who dramatically impacts our lives, so we believe what he says. Others hear this, and the eye-rolling begins. This sounds like more unprovable conjecture of the Christian faith!

But the essence of faith is that we have complete confidence, trust, and assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. ^{Hebrews 11:1} I can say from experience, with 100% conviction, that if you spend a significant amount of time in the scriptures, you will find the Bible inexhaustible in its ability to convey meaning. Though written over a span of 1,500 years, by 35 different men, it has the same consistent message and is perfectly woven together. The depth and breadth of the presentation of the good news of Jesus Christ is astounding, and you know that it could not have come from the will or wisdom of man.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ^{Hebrews 4:12}

The profane, natural man, on the other hand, cannot accept the things of God; he does not believe because he cannot believe. ^{Matthew 11:25-26} To him, the Bible is foolish nonsense, an archaic work of implausible, boring fiction embraced by the gullible.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. ^{1 Corinthians 2:14}

So, Christians believe their doctrine is the truth because the authority of their faith tells them so. Is that different from any other religion or even the faith of the irreligious? At a lofty, unexamined level, not so much. But there is the truth, and there is what is not true, and all men have the free will to pick what they believe. But know that those saved from the coming wrath of God and at peace with Him are eternally grateful that they heeded God’s high calling in Jesus Christ.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ^{Romans 5:1}

Exclusivity of Christ for Salvation.

If you believe what the Bible says, then you know faith and submission to Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. ^{John 14:6}

What Jesus endured for his enemies (mankind) was an incomprehensible act of love. ^{Romans 5:8-11} We see his agony in the garden of Gethsemane, we see him betrayed by his disciples and his people, we see his horrific suffering through crucifixion in atonement for our sins, and we see his resurrection that validates his deity. Why would he have gone through this if there was any other way to save us?

If the Bible is the truth, then the irritating and offensive trait of claiming that trust in Christ is the only way to be reconciled to God is of eternal benefit to those who hear and heed. Jesus tells us that most will not.

 Enter ye in at the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  Because narrow is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. ^{Matthew 7:13-14}