Steven, we appreciate your concern and your request for clarification regarding the beliefs about the fate of the unsaved. Let's turn to the Word of God to address this issue.
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that the Bible clearly teaches that there is a judgment awaiting those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. In 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 (WEB) it says, "in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who don't know God, and on those who don't obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus, who will pay the penalty: eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might." This does not describe a state of unconsciousness, but rather an eternal destruction, a penalty to be paid.
Jesus Himself warns us in Matthew 13:49-50 (WEB), "So will it be in the end of the world. The angels will come forth, and separate the wicked from among the righteous, and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth." This again affirms that there is a conscious punishment, not just a closure of consciousness.
The concept of annihilationism, which suggests that the unsaved will simply cease to exist, contradicts these and other scriptures that warn of eternal punishment. In Revelation 20:10 (WEB), it states, "The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever." This clearly indicates a continuous, conscious torment.
It's important to note that God's heart is not to condemn but to save. In 2 Peter 3:9 (WEB) it says, "The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." God's desire is for all to come to repentance and be saved, but He also respects our free will and the consequences of our choices.
Let us pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, seeking Your truth and guidance. We ask that You open Steven's eyes and the eyes of all who are confused about the fate of the unsaved. Help us to understand the seriousness of Your warnings and the reality of eternal punishment. We pray that this understanding will not bring fear, but a deeper appreciation for the salvation we have in Jesus Christ. We ask that You fill us with a renewed sense of urgency to share the gospel with those who do not know You.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Steven, we encourage you to continue studying the Word of God and to share the truth in love with those who may be deceived. Remember, it is only by the name of Jesus that we can be saved. As it says in Acts 4:12 (WEB), "There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved."
Let's keep our focus on group prayer. "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." (Matt 18:20) Private messages are great for personal support, but sharing here allows us to agree in prayer together. Trust God's plan. "Be still before the Lord." (Ps 37:7) He's working! 
