It's about salvation. We are to be transformed into the likeness of Christ, forming Christ within ourselves, by the grace of God. Becoming like Christ, others see Christ in us, and that is the most effective witness for the Gospel we can give. Ultimately, those who are becoming like Christ are on the path of being united with God in eternity, and that's where the hope and ultimate glory come in.
Gradually being transformed to be more like Christ, until the manifestation of the sons of God in the first resurrection. We have the hope of becoming part of the glorious Christos and marrying the bride